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. 

Righteous Judgment

Often I catch myself wondering what is in the minds of people. Thirty-three years of law enforcement most assuredly jades an individual, but I cannot wrap my head around the hate, vile and outright filth people will say and write. I try and understand why people will latch onto an event that occurred some 20+ years ago and speak as if the event took place last week. What possess people to degrade a person, again using an event that took place over 20+ years ago?

I’m not a religious person by any stretch. I am not a bible thumper or born again anything. I grew up in a Catholic home, going to parochial school from first grade through high school. I served as an altar boy and participated in all the church offered. My wife and I were married in the church and have been together in marriage for almost 37 years (together over 40 in total). Our children were baptized into the church and were given a foundation of faith each have carried into their adult lives. I am no angel and surly not without fault or sin. The closest I come to being a choirboy, is Joseph Wambaugh’s description of one in his books of the same title. After this admission, I guess I should brace for the onslaught of hate. Those days long gone and mostly forgotten, at least by those of us who lived them and understand them. 

In Romans 2:1-2; God’s Righteous Judgment, the bible talks about those who judge others.

Therefore, you have no excuse or defense or justification, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For, in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things that you censure and denounce.

So, when you, a mere man (or woman), pass judgment on them and you do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?

I look at those who most often and with the loudest of voices cast their judgments and I believe this to be so very true.

In John 8; Jesus states,

“If any one of you is without sin, let him cast the first stone.”

I continue to struggle with, “why”. Why have a small group of disgruntled and angry people, filled with hate, chosen to latch onto an event that bears no significance today, 20+ years later. As I search for meaning and reason, I look at the bible and Matthew 7, where the bible talks again about judging others.

In the same way you judge others, you will be judged. If you judge with an evil heart or dark intent, His judgment of you will reflect it. If you use extremes, exaggerations or other ignoble means, His judgment of you will reflect that also.

Do not accuse others unless you first thoroughly search your own heart and mind to make certain you are pure in every possible way.

Remember, Jesus was the only sinless person.

I am at a loss to understand the righteous indignation of those who continue their assaults.

In John 8, Jesus said to the sinner, “Neither do I condemn thee; go, sin no more”.

The only person to inhabit this earth without sin, refused to condemn another. Yet, many have found it their right; their obligation; their duty; their privilege; their calling, to judge another. The ignoble means of those who self righteously judge and condemn, is pathetic. 

Coalition Seeks Supporters and Candidates

I'm writing this BLOG post to let you know of a coalition I am a member of, and to ask you to consider supporting our efforts in service to the PUSD Board of Education (School Board) functioning at the level of professionalism and excellence that our district deserves.

The goal of the Coalition For Effective School Board Leadership is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of School Board business through the endorsement of candidates running for School Board in the November, 2016 election.

Please learn more, and consider helping in the following ways:

Host a coffee meeting at your home or business to educate voters on the importance of this School Board election in November.  The Coalition will provide spokespersons to speak at your coffee meeting.

Check out our website at;  www.coalition4effectiveschoolboard.com

Endorse our work as a Coalition;

Consider running for School Board, or talking to someone you know who would make a great candidate!  We need people from the community who meet our 6 criteria for vetting candidates to run!

Keith Wilson Continues to Harass

I have talked about the pathetic and caustic e-mails Keith Wilson has sent members of the Poway Unified School District in the past. His e-mails all containing sexual innuendo and foul language directed at men and women alike. His comments seldom related to a specific educational topic and most always simply to harass and demean. I shared an e-mail in a prior post that Wilson sent to Sandy Burgoyne on April 6, 2016, at 11:10 AM. (See Below)

Yesterday I received another e-mail sent by Wilson on the same day at 9:24:59 AM. Wilson sent an e-mail to Candy Smiley, President of the Poway Federation of Teachers. (See Below)

From: Kjwilson8806@aol.com

Subject: PUSD Meeting

Date: April 6, 2016 at 9:24:59 AM PDT

To: csmiley@powayteachers.org

Hello Candy,

 

I'm sorry that you left the meeting before I was able to say fuck you.  Your stone face belongs on Mt. Rushmore.

 

Did you notice that your IBPS partner has extremely small hands?

 

Feeling the love,

 

Keith

The above e-mail clearly shows the mind of a disturbed, troubled, pathetic person. Wilson's reference to an "IBPS partner" is a reference to the Superintendent and the small hands I think self explanatory due to the discussion among candidates for POTUS. Again, taking sexual innuendo and inserting it into an e-mail for no purpose other than to degrade and demean.

Is there any wonder why Kim Garnier, Keith Wilson's daughter, feels empowered to speak as she does and to write the caustic e-mails she does? Chris Garnier is in another league when it comes to caustic e-mails and speech. Put the three together and you have to feel for the children being raised in that home. They do not stand a chance.

Ten Years folks. Ten years before the light at the end of the tunnel will begin to flicker. What happens in ten years? Think.  

PUSD School Board April 5, 2016

I can write until my fingers cramp and truly not capture the realities of the dysfunction of the Board of Education for the Poway Unified School District. I don't want give the picture or belief the entire board is the cause of this dysfunction. The easiest way for people to make this judgement is to attend or watch video of the School Board in action. The PUSD videos all board meeting and places them on their web site for the community to view. (Click HERE for link)

I have viewed the video from the April 5, 2016, board meeting several times. I took the time to break out segments of the meeting to highlight some of the dysfunction, unprofessional and at times hostile words among boards members. Like public comments, it appears civility and professional decorum is no longer the norm, but more of the anomaly. 

At the board meeting on the 5th, the actions of board members that caught my attention started around the 2:09 mark in the video. Starting with "First Read" item F212 Revisions to Board Policy 4.123 Sexual Harassment. The discussion regarding the changes being proposed had me scratching my head. Did I understand clearly Ms. Beatty's concerns? She didn't want mandatory reporting of Sexual Harassment if the law did not mandate it? That this would in some way create a liability to the district when reported? I'm confused. I watched this item a couple of times trying to understand her concerns and was left with not understanding what really she was trying to get at.

Then came the fun part of the meeting "New Items" on the board agenda. H702 and H703. These start at the 2:17:42 mark on the video. The first item H702 was brought forward by Ms. Beatty and Mr. Sellers. The item was brought forward to discuss the use of legal firms. No explanation is necessary. Watch the exchanges and words spoken. I will point out that in my life time of living in the City of San Diego and reading the San Diego Union Tribune, I take exception to anyone who uses an article in this daily periodical, as fact or reason for any action.

Then comes item H703, starting at the 2:24:10 mark of the video. This item was again brought forward as a new item by Ms. Beatty and Mr. Sellers. The item was a new job description and position "Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services". Ms. Beatty starts her presentation at 2:25:10 of the video. I condensed several snips of the dialogue that took place for this item. First is Ms. Beatty.

  After some discussion Mr. Patapow.

Mr. Sellers

Mr. Zane

More Sellers with O'Connor-Ratcliff

Ms. Beatty and Mr. Patapow

Mr. Pujar (Student Representative)

Mr. Sellers

There is more discussion and we come back to Sellers.

Nearing the end with Mr. Pujar, Sellers and Mr. Zane.

I know, you thought it was ending. 

The last words, kinda, sorta......

There was more to this discussion and I would strongly urge you to view the almost 50 minutes of back and forth among board members.

The discussion ended and the meeting came to a close. The real fire works took place after the cameras were turned off. Mr. Sellers verbally attacked a member of the staff. His words and actions a reflection of his inability to act in a professional manner. The lack of civility, total arrogance and condescending manner with which he comports himself is completely and totally unacceptable. His is a symptom of a degradation of character that permeates the board room. 

Ms. O'Connor-Ratcliff, Mr. Zane and Mr. Patapow each attempts to act with civility and respect in the face of those who chose to attack with each exchange. Staff has grown weary of the badgering and constant condescending attacks of their abilities and character. It has to change. We have to change it.

Must See Public Comments from the PUSD Board Meeting April 5, 2016

It has been a while since I last posted. Sometimes work gets in the way of other activities and interests. I have also been working with others in an attempt to have a positive impact on the lives of students and education. But, I find it necessary to again devote the time to contribute to this BLOG and highlight some behavior that is not positive nor contributing in a positive manner to the education experience of children in the Poway Unified School District.

On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, the monthly meeting of the Board of Education was held. The meeting was a perfect display of what is wrong with the Board of Education and some members of the public. Three members of the public, who spoke during Item C of the agenda, showed again their true character. First on display was Keith Wilson. Wilson was called (1:12:58 on the video) and as he does, focused his diatribe of hate and filth toward the superintendent.

(Video clip of his comments)

This individual lacks good moral character. The hatred and repulsive comments spewing from Wilson's mouth highlight the assemblage of poor moral character he exhibits on a regular basis in both word and action.  

Wilson was followed by his son-in-law, Christopher Garnier. Garnier was called to the microphone at 1:16:14 on the video. Watch as Garnier sits and stares at the members of the board. Then listen carefully to his words. 

(Video clip of his comments)

Christopher Garnier, like his father-in-law, lacks good moral character. Garnier will use words to shock and scare others, as he does in his diatribe, far removed from anything to do with moving the educational experience of children in a positive direction. When challenged for his use of offensive words, he will site his right to free speech. The repulsive comments and hatred he exhibits are clear examples of the content of his character, having nothing to do with the color of his skin.

Christopher Garnier was followed by his wife, Kim Garnier, daughter of Keith Wilson. Kim Garnier was called to the microphone at 1:20:43 on the video. 

(Video clip of her comments)

Kim Garnier makes some very bold statements and allegations. What I find interesting is her lack of supporting documents. Let's say what Kim Garnier said in the above clip is accurate. Let's say the quote attributed to a captain with the San Diego Police Department was provided accurately. Don't you believe Kim Garnier would have had copies of these e-mails to shove in the faces of the board members? She was reading from notes on a piece of paper. She was not reading from documents retrieved from a PRA. Bottom line, Kim Garnier is not relevant nor believable. Like her father and like her husband, a lack of character shows through her every word and action. Victims who yell the loudest, the most often and when questioned are seldom victims of another, but victims of their own making.

I saw in the Pomerado News that Wilson and his group had "called off" the re-call effort to re-call Mr. Patapow. In the article, Wilson boasts his group secured 8,000 signatures. Excuse me for what I am about to write; BULLSHIT!!!!!!! Wilson et al may have obtained 800 signatures, at most. His assertion they obtained 8,000 signatures if patently false and not reflective of reality. To add to their deception, Wilson and his "coalition" formed to seek candidates for this years school board election, announced in the same press release, used content from the web site Coalition for Effective School Board Leadership . 

Lastly, to highlight the lack of moral character of Keith Wilson; I received an e-mail Keith Wilson sent to a staff member of PUSD on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at 11:10 AM.

The words and actions of Keith Wilson, Christopher and Kim Garnier, highlight again a family that lacks of moral character on a grand scale. The sad reality is the affect this is having on the three young children in this home. Hate cannot be turned off at the door as one enters his/her home. Playing the victim is quickly learned through the eyes and ears of a young and impressionable child. The repeated sexual references, in every diatribe delivered by Keith Wilson, no doubt played over and rehearsed for all to hear, fall onto the ears of the young and not so innocent ears of the impressionable child. It is truly sad to witness such hatred.