PUSD School Board Moving in the Right Direction - It's about Change

On December 15, 2015, the PUSD Board of Education changed direction. Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff was elected President. T.J. Zane was elected Vice-Presidents and Andy Patapow was elected Clerk of the Board of Education. Each of the votes was 3-2 with Beatty and Sellers opposing the change in leadership. What was telling about the election of new officers for the Board was Beatty and Seller's attempts to place each other in each of the three positions. Beatty nominated Sellers for President and Clerk. Sellers nominated Beatty for Vice-President.

The past year has been a long and arduous one for staff and community. The struggles associated with a number of personal agendas taking priority over the education of children; the continued assault of Dr. Collins by a small faction of the community as well as two members of the Baord of Education; the irrational and unwarranted re-call effort launched against Mr. Patapow; and the lack of professionalism and integrity of two board members, have all taken their toll.

There is hope 2016 will be a better year for the district, kids and education. The assaults of good people will no doubt continue, by a small group of single focus individuals. The focus and direction of the Board will be lead by Ms. O'Connor-Ratcliff, who has shown her desire to do what is right and put aside any personal agenda she may have. Ms. O'Connor-Ratcliff has proven to be honest, caring, thoughtful, and most importantly, focused on kids and education. She has shown a willingness to work with the Superintendent and staff to do what is right and to avoid being drawn in by those with personal agendas.

Changes are sure to come in 2016 for PUSD. How those changes are received will be key to moving the district in a positive direction. The votes on the Board will no doubt reflect the split that continues to divide the Board. Kids and education will return to front and center and the re-call effort will fade away.

As we prepare to move into the new year, thoughts of the election in November 2016, begin to take priority. Mr. Patapow and Ms. Beatty will be up for re-election. Mr. Patapow will most likely retire after 50+ years in education, opening his seat. Mr. Patapow has distinguished himself as a caring, honest, thoughtful and valuable man during his distinguished career, serving the students of PUSD. He will retire with the admiration of thousands of past students, colleagues and  the voters who supported him through his time as Principle and Trustee. It is NOW time to begin the search to replace Mr. Patapow and Ms. Beatty.

Ms. Beatty has earned being replaced on the Board of Education. She has demonstrated her inability to separate her personal agenda, from her role as a Trustee for the PUSD. Beatty has repeatedly skirted the rules, side stepped the law and pushed hers and others personal agendas, at the expense of good people and the education of children. It's time for a change.

    So as we move into 2016, let us all focus on building the new. Place personal agendas aside and work collectively to do what is right and just. Remember the goal and mission is the education of children. Place them at the beginning of every discussion and avoid the fodder of old.

Threats, Lies and Cries of the Garnier Duo

 12-29-2015 ***READ COMMENTS FOR UPDATED INFO***

Truth and lies are funny little animals in today's society. Truth is something told over and over until people believe it to be true. A lie is factual information presented that is objected to by someone who does not like the truth. So, when the Garnier's and Wilson cry harassment, it is usually because someone told the truth about them.

It's a beautiful Christmas day and I am sitting here enjoying a very smooth LA AURORA, Sapphire 1903 Edition cigar and a double 18 year old, Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It has been a wonderful, loving, happy day with family and friends. I have ignored my e-mail, telephone and text messages. I'm not on call this holiday and have enjoyed the sights and sounds of Christmas and the joy it brings. I made the ultimate error in judgement and checked my phone after dinner and games.

I am now sitting here puffing my cigar and sipping the fine whisky, musing over several e-mails, a text message and voice mail, all the product of the Garnier family. After sharing with family and friends the content of the various communications Kim and Chris Garnier sent, we all had a good laugh and then discussed the troubling mental state projected in their communications. I will share with you, so you too can understand what these two individuals are all about.

The first is an e-mail sent by Kim Garnier, today at 1:32 pm;

From: Kim Garnier <kgarnier1231@gmail.com<mailto:kgarnier1231@gmail.com>>
Date: December 25, 2015 at 1:32:18 PM PST
To: "moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com<mailto:moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com>" <moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com<mailto:moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com>>
Cc: TJ Zane <tjzane@powayusd.com<mailto:tjzane@powayusd.com>>, Andy Patapow <apatapow@powayusd.com<mailto:apatapow@powayusd.com>>, Charles Sellers <csellers@powayusd.com<mailto:csellers@powayusd.com>>, Kimberley Beatty <kbeatty@powayusd.com<mailto:kbeatty@powayusd.com>>, Tholandi <mtholandi@powayusd.com<mailto:mtholandi@powayusd.com>>, John Collins <jcollins@powayusd.com<mailto:jcollins@powayusd.com>>, Tracy Hogarth <thogarth@powayusd.com<mailto:thogarth@powayusd.com>>, Mel Robertson <mrobertson@powayusd.com<mailto:mrobertson@powayusd.com>>, David Hall <dhall@powayusd.com<mailto:dhall@powayusd.com>>, Sue Herndon <sueandcamsell@gmail.com<mailto:sueandcamsell@gmail.com>>, "dick@dicklyles.com<mailto:dick@dicklyles.com>" <dick@dicklyles.com<mailto:dick@dicklyles.com>>, "Steven Dreyer" <sdreyer@pomeradonews.com<mailto:sdreyer@pomeradonews.com>>, "<pat.maio@sduniontribune.com<mailto:pat.maio@sduniontribune.com>>" <pat.maio@sduniontribune.com<mailto:pat.maio@sduniontribune.com>>, Ashly McGlone <ashly.mcglone@voiceofsandiego.org<mailto:ashly.mcglone@voiceofsandiego.org>>, Chris Hurst <chris.hurst@oside.us<mailto:chris.hurst@oside.us>>, Walter Davis <wdavis@walterdavisenterprises.com<mailto:wdavis@walterdavisenterprises.com>>, "branchnaacp@gmail.com<mailto:branchnaacp@gmail.com>" <branchnaacp@gmail.com<mailto:branchnaacp@gmail.com>>, "csmiley@powayteachers.org<mailto:csmiley@powayteachers.org>" <csmiley@powayteachers.org<mailto:csmiley@powayteachers.org>>, "steve@coplaw.org<mailto:steve@coplaw.org>" <steve@coplaw.org<mailto:steve@coplaw.org>>


Subject: Defamation

Ms. O'Connor-Ratcliff,

As Board President, I would like to know how you plan to handle the on-going harassment by Steve McMillan. He is representing Poway Unified School District and his outright lies about my family will be added to any lawsuit we bring to PUSD. He is maliciously and knowingly defaming my family and myself.

Please respond at your earliest convenience. The lies told to Mr. McMillan by PUSD employees and affiliates will cost the district financially.

It's time to put a stop to the attacks against our families. We will take legal action against Mr. McMillan as well as Poway Unified's role in his harassment. What will you do to prevent further litigation for PUSD?

I hope you are enjoying the holidays and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Kim Garnier

Before I respond to the above e-mail, I want to be perfectly clear on several points.

• I DO NOT represent the Poway Unified School District in any way. 
• I have NOT written nor spoken any "outright lies" about the Garnier or Wilson families. 
• I have NOT harassed the Garnier or Wilson family. 
• I am NOT "maliciously and knowingly defaming" the Garnier or Wilson family. 

"The lies told to Mr. McMillan by PUSD employees and affiliates" implies I have had conversations with members of the PUSD who have provided inaccurate or false information to me that I have then, in some way, used to "defame" the Garnier's or Wilson. The information I write about in this BLOG is taken from Public Information Requests I have sought and received. The information I use for my BLOG is an accumulation of this legally obtained information, as well as my personal observations of Christopher and Kim Garnier and Keith Wilson. I have studied e-mails, video of oral comments made at open meetings of the PUSD Board of Education and talked with others (NOT PUSD employees) who too have been witness to the words and actions of these three individuals. The e-mails were written by Chris and Kim Garnier and Keith Wilson. We often say in my line of work, "You can't make this stuff up."

I laughed out loud at this e-mail and what is characterized as harassment of the Garnier and Wilson family. The belly laugh continues as I read that I am in some way, working in concert with PUSD or members of PUSD. Tears begin flowing as I read Kim Garnier demanding to know how the President of the School Board is going to "handle the on-going harassment by Steve McMillan." This coming from two people who have made it their practice to harass and berate others in pubic and hide behind "Free Speech" and their "right" to say whatever they choose, while speaking before the School Board.

Kim Garnier said it is time to stop the attacks against her "families". My writings have not attacked anyone, but have pointed out some very poor behavior of a family. I have a file of e-mails to support my words and a litany of other evidence to support my beliefs. It is amazing to me there is anyone who takes this family serious and supports the re-call effort they have begun.

Some time back, I recall Kim Garnier stating she was done with my BLOG. Her exact words were: 

"I wish you were capable of having a real dialogue about real issues. I'm embarrassed for you that you're reduced to this blog. I stand by my actions within this battle to make things right and I am damn proud of my family. Do you have any idea what my husband and father have given to PUSD for the past 30+ years? Your ignorance is damaging your argument. I'm finished with this blog. It might be the most immature and illogical piece of garbage I've read in my life."  I guess she forgot.

Chris Garnier called my cell phone at 2:18 pm and left a message that I have transcribed below;

"Mr. McMillan sir, how are you? This is Chris Garnier, my telephone number is 858-740-7329. Love to have a conversation with you sir, figure out a time where you and I could sit down and have a have a really good meeting. Since you truly enjoy bashing me and also try and threaten me with your, your, your, your, seamless, inconsequential threats. Anyway, love to have a conversation with you, try to figure out why your hatred is so strong against me and have a mature conversation. You are a police officer I was a marine, we both served our government and I would love to sit down and figure out where the disconnect, the disconnect is. Telephone number again, 858-740-7329 Merry Christmas to you sir and if I don't hear back from you by, we will say next week, I will call back again. Thank you sir, have a fantastic day." 

Things did not end there for the Garnier's Christmas folly of text and e-mail. Chris Garnier sent me a text message at about 2:30;

+18587407329: Merry Christmas sir. I would love to have a sit down conversation with you. I think you need a warning as to your blog as you continue to bash and defame my family and me. Your Miramar education may be the barrier in a realization that you will face major litigation under the name of PUSD if you continue your deceptive and defaming actions. This is your warning sir. Please let me know when you have an opportunity to talk so you won't have to fall under major litigation that is headed your way. In your profile you claim, "I always throw the last punch". I'm looking forward to feeling the impact of that "punch"; figuratively, of course. We all know I'm NOT a violent man but a man full of passion. John Collins threatened me as you continue to do and look where his career is headed. :) Merry Christmas to you. Very Respectfully, Chris Garnier 2:30 PM

I have finished my first cigar and scotch and am onto a nice cup of Starbucks Christmas blend coffee and a My Father Le Bijou 1922 cigar. I will gladly suffer the fools (Chris and Kim Garnier) and enjoy my vices. I again laughed out loud as I read the content of Chris Garnier's text. Chris thinks I am in "need of a warning as to your (my) blog as you (I ) continue to bash and defame my (Garnier's) family and me (Chris Garnier)." I find it comical and pathetic at the same time, that the Garnier's find the writings in this BLOG to be harassment and bashing their family. I will admit I have pulled no punches when delivering my opinions, based on my observations and the evidence I have gleaned from the various e-mails I have read. I will admit laughingly I have only a "Miramar education which may be the barrier in a realization that I will face major litigation under the name of PUSD." Again I laugh out loud (wiping tears from my eyes) as I try and process how I will be facing "major litigation" for posting the content of e-mails, texts and observations. I am even more perplexed as to the nexus between myself and PUSD. But, I will tempt fate and decline an invitation to talk to Chris Garnier, even though I will "fall under major litigation that is headed my way" for declining his kind offer (mocking of course) .

I'm not sure when or how I have made threats toward Chris Garnier. The metaphoric statement in my profile is just that. I have simply written about the words and actions of a man possessed and am not dissuaded by threats of a law suit. To use the words of Chris Garnier, he is "but a man full of passion". Again, I have simply pointed out the actions of a man who claims not to be violent, yet bully's and threatens anyone who challenges him or his beliefs and then throws the race card into the pile. The salutation used to end the text, "Merry Christmas to you. Very Respectfully, Chris Garnier" is disingenuous. Chris Garnier often uses similar salutations at the end of his caustic, threatening e-mails. It's an odd individual who believes using such salutations, excuses bad behavior.

I retired from the PUSD in 2006. I started paying attention to the goings on with PUSD in December 2014, after reading various news articles about the Board of Education. I received a number of telephone calls and e-mails from people concerned with the direction of the district. In my very first BLOG post, I explained the genesis for my writing. It began as a watchdog type venture of the Board of Education. It quickly became evident two members of the Board and a small group of individuals were working in concert. Three of the individuals in this group are Chris and Kim Garnier and Kim's father, Keith Wilson. As I tried to learn more and understand the motivations of this group, I began seeking to identify alliances and connect the dots. I was amazed and dumbfounded at what I discovered. The blatant and caustic attacks and threats toward members of the District by these individuals are unparalleled when compared to anything or anyone else.

The two individuals who stood out among others in their boorish, graceless and oafish diatribes, both written and spoken, was Chris Garnier and Keith Wilson. They have individually and collectively provided enough fodder to provide a picture of their character. If my postings allow for people to make an informed decision, regarding the re-call effort Wilson and the Garnier's are leading, I have made a difference.

In the end, the truth is the ultimate defense. I have posted supporting documents that allow people to garner their own opinions, as they relate to Chris and Kim Garnier and Keith Wilson. If the Garniers or Wilson want to challenge the e-mails I have posted as being fraudulent, feel free. I simply scan the items I received and paid for and post them here.

The lessons learned today further my beliefs about Chris Garnier.

   

PLEASE REMIND FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO AVOID SIGNING THE PETITION FOR RE-CALL OF MR. PATAPOW

READ COMMENTS FOR MORE

  

Christopher Garnier the Pathetic Narcissistic Antagonist

Christopher Garnier would make a great case study for the Mayo Clinics, Psychotherapy Unit. While I am no authority on mental illness, I do believe Chris Garnier is clearly afflicted with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life such as relationships, work and school. The person suffering this affliction is generally unhappy and disappointed when not given the special favors or admiration he believes he deserves. Most normal people do not enjoy being in the presence of these individuals. Narcissistic personality disorder treatment is centered around talk therapy, often called psychotherapy. Does anyone believe this type of therapy would be successful with Chris Garnier?

In the past two days, Chris Garnier has submitted no less than ten (10) comments to this BLOG. Each of his "comments" was an attempt to direct people to the web site regarding his pathetic, mean spirited and self serving re-call effort. What makes his attempts so pathetic and gives reason to believe he suffers a Narcissistic Personality Disorder, is his salutation, included in each attempt (See Below).

Very Respectfully, Chris Garnier

and

Merry Christmas Mr. McMillan, Respectfully, Chris Garnier 

I don't give myself high marks on suffering fools. I'm not rude to those I find foolish, but I strenuously and lamentably avoid them. The best advise I ever received was to gladly suffer fools by laughing at them and with them simultaneously. They will seldom understand your laugh is more intended at them for the fool they are, than laughing with them, as their words and actions are most always foolish.

I will gladly suffer the fool of Chris Garnier for he is obviously suffering from mental illness and has yet to acknowledge this flaw in his character. No amount of charm that oozes from Chris Garnier can ever be taken seriously, as it is simply an act to draw in the unknowing fool. Chris Garnier is a mean spirited, vile, caustic, boorish, oafish individual (Just like his father-in-law Wilson) who is more polished in his delivery, yet just as pathetic and despicable.

To Chris Garnier I say; give up the act, no one is sold nor buying what you have to offer. Your phony, foolish act is out in the open for all to see and I for one simply laugh at the fool you are.

PLEASE REMIND FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO AVOID SIGNING THE PETITION FOR RE-CALL OF MR. PATAPOW

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Keith "Jack" Wilson THE Person

Who is "Keith J Wilson" THE person? 

Keith Wilson is an individual who thinks it funny to harass and attempt to intimidate others. His fixation with sexual innuendo, is to say the least, troubling. His comments are boorish, ignorant, mindless, witless and asinine. He lacks common sense and is most always obtuse when he speaks. Here is a guy who points fingers at others, yet is the most cretinous individual you will meet. This is the individual who laughs after speaking at a public school board meeting, knowing the vile and sexually suggestive comments he just made caused people to cringe.

This is the person leading the re-call effort of Mr. Patapow.

Keith Wilson is leading the re-call effort in an attempt to get to Dr. Collins. The re-call is not about Mr. Patapow, but about trying to force Dr. Collins to resign. Keith Wilson will stop at nothing to get his way. His son-in-law, Chris Garnier falls right in line, with his attempts to intimidate and harass.

Out of the blue, on Monday, December 21, 2015, I received the following e-mail from Wilson; (Click on e-mail to view)

As you can see from the e-mail, Wilson cannot help himself. He starts out calling me the "Superintendent's Flunky". Wilson then makes a veiled threat toward my daughter, clearly as a form of intimidation. Wilson then attempts to insinuate an action taken in 2001, related to Dr. Reeves departure from the district, as being a gift. In the same paragraph his name calling continues by addressing Dr. Collins as "Johnny". His final paragraph is laughable as he again attempts to intimidate or cause fear... to who I am not sure.

Take note of how Wilson signed the e-mail; "Jack". Clearly a reference to his submitting the speaker slip a couple months back with the name, "Jack Mehoff". Another example of his mind set and clear indication of a disturbed individual.

I sent a simple reply to Wilson; (Click on e-mail to view)

Note in both e-mails the Cc'd individuals who also received the e-mails. Wilson believes sending caustic and threatening e-mails to people and then Cc'ing a string of others, adds to his power and intimidation. One of those Cc'd is a high school student who has written for his school's news paper. 

In my reply I stated there was no such e-mail from me to PUSD. Unfortunately, this is not accurate. I did, in fact send an e-mail to a PUSD account, where I stated, "I guess I will have to dust off my politico rants and begin paying attention and taking this bimbo on...." Below is the e-mail in question; (Click on e-mail to view)

My daughter and I often exchange e-mails talking about daily news topics, politics and family goings on. We do not exchange e-mails during her school day and until the above exchange, I do not believe we conversed using the "powayusd" address at any other time, unless discussing an educational issue related to her classroom teaching. When my daughter forwarded an e-mail she received, I failed to pay close attention to where she had sent it from and hit the reply button and wrote what is clear in the e-mail. Wilson can bring his complaint. It can be added to her file, next to her recognition as 2014 Teacher of The Year. The veiled threat is hollow and does not cause concern for my daughter nor myself. 

Shortly after my reply to Wilson's initial e-mail (actually, 6 minutes later) I received the below reply, from a different e-mail address. (Click on e-mail to view)

Wilson validates my sentiment his words are boorish, ignorant, mindless, witless and asinine. He lacks common sense and is most always obtuse when he speaks or writes. He would best be described by those who have witnessed his graceless diatribes as OAFISH. Wilson has repeatedly responded with the phrase he used in the above e-mail, when someone pushes back against his oafish behavior. If his words and actions were not so egregiously troubling, he would simply be viewed as a comedic, cartoon caricature.

Please share these events with friends and encourage them to AVOID signing the petitions seeking to re-call Mr. Patapow. Do not allow this boorish, obtuse individual to impact students and education. Stand up to him, his actions and those actions of his son-in-law, Chris Garnier. Stay civil and be firm. In the end, mindless, ignorant actions like those of Wilson and Garnier, become old and stale and ignored by good people. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Charles Sellers Violates the Brown Act and Flaunts Privacy of Employees

Did any of you happen to catch the Charles Sellers show? That narcissistic Trustee for the Poway Unified School District whose sole agenda/priority is "Bringing Down" the Superintendent, Dr. John Collins. He is quoted in a 7 San Diego News story "Poway Unified Superintendent Seeking Possible Buyout: Board Member"  when asked about the hiring of a new attorney; "Any reasonable person could infer we are talking to him about his departure", "The haste is all being driven by the superintendent. It's on his timetable."

Sellers just can't help himself when it comes to being able to jab or degrade Dr. Collins. Sellers goes on to say Collins, "didn't like his (most recent) evaluation.... and came to us with an attorney, wanting to talk about his contract." Sellers continues to run his mouth, telling 7 San Diego, Dr. Collins has opposed several changes in the district that are being pushed by Sellers and his allies on the school board. Sellers finishes with "For those changes to take effect, we may need a new superintendent."

To use a phrase from Sellers, "Any reasonable person could infer" his latest grab for attention will undoubtedly result in litigation against the district for violating the privacy rights of an employee. Sellers violated the law when he spoke to 7 San Diego about the information he learned in closed session. The Brown Act precludes the disclosure of Closed Session information. The rights of an employee preclude the public discussion of the employees performance and discipline.

Charles Sellers has once again shown who and what he is. I thought his actions on Sunday were a new low when he began yelling at Dr. Collins and others demanding Dr. Collins not participate in the Special Board Meeting. It is too bad his rant was not captured on video so others could see the caustic level of anger he displayed toward another person. The comments today to 7 San Diego by Charles Sellers cannot be excused, justified or ignored.

One final thought on Sellers comments. "Several changes in the district that are being pushed by Sellers and his allies on the school board" ??? My question is about the plural use of ally. What am I missing? Sellers ally is Beatty. Their agenda is not about kids and education. It is about the removal of Dr. Collins. Changes for the better education of children need no allies. REMEMBER folks, it is Beatty and Sellers who are participants in the re-call of a fellow board member, Andy Patapow. The two of them can deny involvement in the recall but the e-mails say otherwise.    

Due Diligence and Hiring an Attorney on a Sunday Afternoon

On Sunday, December 6, 2015, the PUSD Board of Education hired a new attorney. Her name is "Maribel S. Medina". Maribel is an attorney who received her Bar Card to practice in California after graduating from the U.C. Berkeley School of Law. Her record with the State Bar of California lists no Disciplinary or Administrative actions. Does anyone on the Board of Education know this? I would guess not.

When making a hire of this nature it is imperative for the Board to conduct "Due Diligence" before making such an offer. To do anything less would be a breach of their fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers and district they were elected to represent. The reason  provided for this hire is driven by two board members who believe they cannot trust current council to provide adequate advise.

What checks were conducted before Kimberley Beatty made the call to Ms. Media and tendered an offer of employment? Were any of Ms. Medina's prior clients contacted for feedback on her abilities? What type of background was done to ensure the highest level of trust could be given and received?

A sampling of alarming articles involving Ms. Medina were found with a simple search of Google.

• July 8, 2015, SanJoseInside "County Education Officials Knew They Were Hiding Public Records" by Josh Koehn  

• May 17, 2013, The Sun News "Fontana School Board Dismisses Attorney" by Jim Steinberg

• July 9, 2015, The Santa Clara Weekly "County Education Office Finance Chief and RDA Dissolution Board Member Micaela Ochoa "Steps Down" in Wake of Payroll Mess" by Carolyn Schuk

• April 16, 2013, Whittier Daily News "After Two Years El Rancho Bond Funds, School Repairs Still Waiting" by Peter Fullum

• December 8, 2015, Voice of San Diego "Poway Unified Takes a Step Toward Parting Ways With Superintendent" by Ashley McGlone

I am not so naive as to believe everything I read in a newspaper, on the internet or in a BLOG. But, I do know that where there is smoke there is usually fire, or one about to erupt. The take away from the above articles from various cities and settings is NOT one that engenders a good feeling about this new hire, knowing what her proposed role is to be. 

What has the Board of Education done in the way of "Due Diligence" related to the hiring of Ms. Maribel S. Medina? The hiring was done in a manner to avoid much publicity. Was the background check also done in a manner to avoid publicity?

Open and Transparent; ONLY When it Suits Them

*** UPDATED ***

I was checking the upcoming agendas for PUSD and noticed a new posting for a "Special Meeting" to be held on SUNDAY, December 6, 2015, at 2:00PM. I thought to myself, "Seriously? 2:00 PM on a Sunday? What is SO important a special meeting needs to take place on a Sunday afternoon?" The only thing listed on the agenda was an "ACTION ITEM" that stated, "Interview and Approval of Potential Special Counsel for the Board". 

Not long ago at the end of a Board Meeting Kimberley Beatty brought up for discussion the prospect of putting out an RFP (Request for Proposal) with the intent of hiring an attorney to represent the Board. The item was not on the agenda and she skirted the law and requirement for posting to the agenda so action could be taken by simply "Giving Direction" to staff to come up with an RFP and have it out the following week. Beatty openly said she wanted to avoid having to comply with the Brown Act and public notice during the discussion about the RFP and hiring an attorney to represent the Board.

I check the agendas for the District several times a week to keep up on the huge number of "Special Meetings" that Beatty is notorious for. She is large and in charge and as long as she is holding the gavel as President of the Board,and  she is going to exercise every chance she can to drive her agenda. She and Charles Sellers are driving their agenda at all cost and will not stop until they have what they want. What is that? The removal of Dr. John Collins as Superintendent.

I arrived at the District Office at about 1:40 PM. I was the only person in the parking lot at the time. By 1:50 there were several people pulling into the lot and heading to the building. I know most of the players within the District and none of these people looked at all familiar. I entered the building and within minutes Sellers arrived. Sellers entered the building and looked around and then exited the building. I watched as he rushed over to Beatty and the two had an animated conversation as Beatty got out of her vehicle. The two came into the building and immediately told staff to move the meeting from the Board Room to a smaller room to the rear of the Board Room. At this point, Beatty asked those waiting to join around her. She then explained the meeting or "interviews" would be held in the smaller room. The meeting/interviews would not be recorded. She then told them they would be called in alphabetically.

While this was going on, Andy Patapow arrived and went into the Board Room. He was then told the meeting location was changed to the smaller room. Shortly after this, Dr. Collins came into the lobby and was told the meeting would be held in the smaller room and not recorded. Dr. Collins told Beatty this was unacceptable and due to his inability to hear in the smaller room and the inability to video the meeting, the meeting needed to remain in the Board Room as indicated to allow him to participate and hear what was going on. This is when all hell broke loose.

Charles Sellers came over and began a tirade in a loud voice. He was animated and yelling at John Collins. Sellers said, "You have no business being in this meeting. You are not sitting on the Dias. You are not going to participate in this.You can sit in the public like everyone else." For the record, I was the only member of the public in attendance. Sellers was animated and yelling. His face red and clearly out of control. Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff tried to calm Sellers asking him to step into the Board Room to discuss his concerns. Sellers was not listening to anyone.

After Dr. Collins told Sellers he was going to participate as is his role as Board Secretary at an agendized meeting, Sellers, Beatty, O'Connor-Ratcliff, Patapow and Zane entered the room and began discussion related to where the meeting/interviews would take place and whether Dr. Collins would participate. I sat and listened to Sellers demand Dr. Collins not be included in the meeting and there being no need to video record the meeting. Beatty supported Sellers in his assertions and plead her case for moving the meeting to the smaller room and no video recording.

Patapow, Zane and O'Connor-Ratcliff did not agree with this and the meeting was held in the Board Room and it was streamed live and recorded. Dr. Collins sat in his usual place on the dais. I was the only member of the public in attendance for this meeting. There was a reporter who sat listening to the goings on, but not taking any notes. Sellers made it a point to speak to the reporter to downplay his tirade and explain his reasons for acting like a complete ass.

The meeting was supposedly for the purpose of hiring an attorney to assist the board with negotiations related to buying Dr. Collins out of the remaining time on his contract. Sellers and Beatty want their OWN attorney because they do not trust anyone THEY did not hire themselves.

This meeting was called by Beatty because she can. There is and was no urgency to have this meeting on a Sunday with short notice. Beatty and Sellers are trying to ram rod their agenda because it will become more difficult when she is no longer president. This meeting was held today in hopes no one would pay any attention. They were right. ALMOST no one paid attention.

Beatty and Sellers are meeting and talking as they ram their agenda. They are skirting the law and ignoring everything to do with "Open and Transparent" as they so often tout. Pay attention people.

**UDATE** 12/6/2015

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY WAS THE RESULT OF A FOUR HOUR CLOSED SESSION "SPECIAL" MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 11/30/2015. I WAS ALSO TOLD "FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, THERE'S REALLY NOTHING NEFARIOUS AT PLAY WITH THESE RECENT MEETINGS... THE BOARD IS JUST WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH SOME VERY DIFFICULT THINGS." I TRUST AND BELIEVE THE PERSON WHO PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION. 

I will accept this as true. I am still suspect of the true reasons for the need to hire additional council. Current council or new council are all bound by the same ethical obligations. The client is the School District, through the School Board. Shopping attorney's until one garners the answers they are seeking is NOT good business practice nor ethical on the person seeking the answers. It is clear from the conversation at the end of the Board Meeting, the purpose of the new council is to meet with Dr. Collins' attorney. Anyone with a fraction of a brain can figure out this is to either seek a buy out of the remainder of his contract or the result of pending or potential litigation as a result of the actions of certain members of the Board of Education.

The discussion the followed the selection of council was pathetic at best. It can only be understood to listen to it and attempt to follow the logic. If you can do that, add a comment to this post, cause I didn't follow. The board agreed on a selection. Beatty said she would notify the attorney. Then things got weird. Discussion was then centered on having this attorney meet with Dr. Collins attorney as soon as possible. The board went back and forth about meeting with the attorney first or after. It appeared to me the attorneys who "interviewed" for this NEW position were in the dark as to what exactly they were being hired to do. Logic would dictate the client would meet with THEIR attorney FIRST and discuss concerns and desires for potential outcomes of whatever it is you are about to embark on. It was clear there was a haste in desire to DO, without regard for clearly identifying what it is the attorney is to do.

In a vacuum and lacking transparency and open governance, we are left to speculation and questions. But, as long as the person holding the gavel is driving the agenda, that will not change. Looking forward, who is there to take the gavel and lead this district?