Michael Hitchcock (OE3-police union): He is president of the SUSD police union. He said he is the only one who can speak on behalf of the union. Robert Matthews of the police union, authorized by Hitchcock, said he is clarifying the position of the union. He said majority of the membership became unhappy with union leadership and that’s why Hitchcock now is the leader. He said 64 percent of the union voted to remove the ex-president. He said he “apologized” to Chief Jim West and Sgt. Frank Gordo for complaints from a minority of the union. He said the complaints were “opportunistic stabs” at West and Gordo. He asked them to accept the union’s “public apology.” “President Hitchcock is committed to diplomacy. … As of now, approximately 70 percent of our union support Chief West. … Dr. Lowder, we want you to understand the association supports the chief and his vision. You have our commitment to work together.”
Jeanne Ross, teacher, PYA: She said the school is raising the academic standards at the school. She said the school’s estimated API is 811 (official scores expected next month). She said, “We are growing and our students are succeeding academically. All of us at PYA are aware of the grim economic circumstances the district and community are facing. But we also know putting our heads together … can help find solutions that may not be obvious at first. Together we can find workable solutions.” PYA is an IB feeder school.
Marilyn Brown (CSEA): She said she has heard a lot of rumors … including a rumor one trustee has been asked to support someone in the mayor’s race and if the person gives his/her support, the trustee will be appointed to the council. She did not elaborate.
Deloris Foster (CSEA): On the laptops the board may approve purchase of, she wants more information on the breakdown of the dollars (categorical) that will be used. She wants to know how much it will cost to replace the laptop batteries when they wear out.
Ellen Old (STA): She spoke of already-passed consent item 7.2 (hiring of a director of marketing/communications). She questioned the cost (more than $100,000 a year) in salary. She wants to know why it was a consent item and why there was no discussion. “Gosh it seems like we should be talking about that. We are in grim times hoping for better times.” She referred to the vote on the education tax in November. She wants to wait until after the vote to decide whether or not to hire the marketing person. “I realize you (the board) already approved it but it was my only time to speak.” Light applause, and that’s the end of public comment.
