Background:
On November 18, 2007 two former Davis Joint Unified School Board Members Joan Sallee and Marty West published on op-ed in the Davis Enterprise to purportedly respond “to the many accusations the 2006 and 2007 school board majority has made about financial mismanagement of the Davis Joint Unified School District.” For reasons not completely clear, they decided to air a large amount of “dirty laundry” in public.
The Joan Sallee/Marty West article purportedly responds to an earlier article from October 7, 2007 authored by then-current board members Jim Provenza and Tim Taylor. The Jim Provenza/ Tim Taylor article focused on the hiring of Bruce Colby as their Deputy Superintendent for Business Services, more transparency, realistic and understandable budgets, and prioritizing critical needs and requirements. It is not clear from reading that article of the perceived need by Ms. Sallee and Ms. West to respond.
They waited until the parcel tax was safely passed by the voters and then proceeded to open a can of worms. The Vanguard responded with an article on November 20, 2007. A quick perusal of the facts revealed that the op-ed by Marty West and Joan Sallee was fraught with misrepresentations and inaccuracies. During the course of the Vanguard’s evaluation it became clear that this was more of an effort to vindicate the reputations of former Superintendent David Murphy and former Chief Business Officer (CBO) Tahir Ahad. Adding fuel to the fire was the revelation that Marty West had become an employee of Tahir Ahad at his education consultancy business, known as, Total School Solutions, as a senior consultant in employment law. This and other new revelations spawned a follow-up article on November 21, 2007, “Op-Ed Opens a Can of Worms.”.
While many in the community have knowledge about what happened under Tahir Ahad regarding his business, Total School Solutions, and the fact he hired many DJUSD employees to work for him, some even while they also worked for him at DJUSD, the fact remains that there was never any sort of comprehensive reporting about just what occurred and whether any laws were broken.
These revelations that were uncovered on November 20 and November 21, 2007 led to a large number of members of the public to come forward with further information. The Vanguard was approached by numerous community members, employees of DJUSD, and spoke with dozens of individuals in the course of what has become a three month investigation. The Vanguard also sought out to speak with several key players including Board President Sheila Allen, Board Vice President Gina Daleiden, former school board members Keltie Jones and Jim Provenza, and former Superintendent David Murphy. Superintendent Murphy spoke with the Vanguard at length off the record. Board members Sheila Allen and Gina Daleiden spoke to the Vanguard on the record.
The findings that we shall report in a three-part series are staggering and troubling. In short, even members on the board and in the school district during these times were not fully aware of what went on and depths of the operations.
The first part of this series will look at the conflict of interest inherent in any situation where a public official is using his public position to further his private business interests. The second part will look at the ramifications of that arrangement for the district. Finally, the third part will examine efforts by the district. Successful efforts I will add, to make changes and ensure that the district is on much more sound footing in terms of its fiscal policy, even as it struggles with declining enrollment and state budget cuts.
Part I—Conflict of Interest
On June 17, 1999 the Davis Joint Unified School Board voted 4-1 to hire Tahir Ahad as the Deputy Superintendent for Business Services. Joan Sallee and Marty West were joined by John Munn and Ruth Asmundson in supporting the hiring of Mr. Ahad. Tahir Ahad was leaving a similar position with the Vallejo School District.
Those four members spoke of Tahir Ahad in glowing terms. The Davis Enterprise quotes Ruth Asmundson as saying “We raided Vallejo to get him. Vallejo is a bigger district… we need to provide compensation that is attractive.” Joan Sallee and Marty West both spoke in glowing terms of the hire of Tahir Ahad.
However, there was one member of the school board that voted against the hiring of Tahir Ahad and that was Don Saylor. What Don Saylor noted in his dissent were the seeds for what would happen under Tahir Ahad over the next seven years as CBO of Davis Joint Unified. None of what happened was an accident. Instead, it was all laid out in Tahir’s initial contract.
It was a highly unusual contract that contained several factors that would enable and permit Tahir Ahad to set up his own side business.
First, the standard contract called for 224 work days; however, Tahir Ahad was only required to work for 205 work days and he did so receiving substantially more money per day than his predecessor Tim Larin.
Board member Don Saylor pointed this out during the proceedings.
As reported by the Enterprise:
“I can’t support lessening the work year for a senior position… At the same time, the compensation package is being raised.”
The Enterprise continued:
“When Ahad’s package of $104,210 a year is calculated over 205 workdays instead of 224, his compensation will go from $440 per day to $508 per day.”
Or as Saylor pointed out the reduction in work days along with the size of the contract resulted in “an increase of 15 percent over the rate that was advertised.”
This would be the highest base daily rate in the district of any employee. This was arranged by Superintendent David Murphy. Concurrently, Murphy’s salary quickly increased greatly over the next few years.
This lessened workload would enable Tahir Ahad to spend more time building up his privately owned company. As one former employee told me, he would have all Mondays off from district work and part of Tuesdays as well, suggesting that the amount of time he actually worked for the district may have been considerably less than the reported 205.
Specifically written into Mr. Ahad’s contract was a provision that enabled him to seek outside professional activities. “This Agreement shall not be construed to preclude the Deputy Superintendent-Business Services from undertaking outside professional activities for compensation, including consulting, speaking, and writing…”
Again, this was not accidental and it marks a clear departure from the contract of his successor, Tim Larin. Mr. Larin’s contract required prior approval by the Superintendent and it expressly stated that other activities could not “conflict” with the performance of his duties under this agreement.
This was noted at the time by Board Member Saylor who said that he was troubled that Ahad was “intending to supply some of his time as a consultant” for other districts.
Mr. Ahad’s contract also allowed for him to have full authority to organize, reorganize, and arrange “any of the Business Office’s administrative, management, and supervisory staff.” This will become important as we discuss some of the management methods that Tahir Ahad exhibited as he often organized and hired those loyal to him while pushing away those who were more skeptical of his activities.
One final point that arose at the time was the existence of a pending sexual harassment suit from Vallejo where Tahir Ahad was working as their CBO. Two employees alleged wrongful termination by Ahad and one alleged that he had sexual relations with her and then offered her preferential treatment to keep quiet. This woman was in her mid 20s at the time.
Eventually Tahir Ahad would prevail by a 9-3 decision in a jury trial. However, it is somewhat surprising that some of the members of the board were not more concerned about this case at the time. Moreover, as we shall see, the case and verdict were not entirely insubstantial for the district, despite the ultimate verdict in favor of Mr. Ahad.
Tahir Ahad was hired by Davis Joint Unified School District to begin in July of 1999. According to his “Statement of Economic Interests” filed in early 2000, on October 3, 1999 (just over three months after being hired by DJUSD) he would form what was then known as Total Business Solutions (TSS), at his residence in Fairfield, CA. Mr. Ahad’s business was eventually renamed Total School Solutions.
For most of the next three years, few knew about this business arrangement; however, he did disclose its existence in his Form 700 Disclosures in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Word finally began to trickle through to the community and some on the board that this company was not only in existence, but that Tahir Ahad was working at a business on the side, and he was hiring district employees who were also working at both the district and for Total School Solutions (TSS).
As current Board Member Gina Daleiden told me in response to a more general question about conflicts of interest, one of the cores of conflict of interest policy is that “you should not use your public position for private gain.” While Ms. Daleien was not specifically speaking about Tahir Ahad, this is precisely what happened during his tenure as CBO of Davis Joint Unified. What we see during the course of Tahir Ahad’s tenure as CBO at Davis Joint Unified is that in effect he used the district to start up his business. In so doing, he began to blur the lines between his own private business and the school district which operates on public money.
It was school board election time in 2003. Keltie Jones had been appointed to fill a vacancy left by John Poulos’ exit. Now she was running for re-election. Running in the Davis Enterprise on September 28, 2003 was a disclosure that she had accepted money from Tahir Ahad, and the wife of Tahir Ahad as well as Total Business Solutions. There was a brief outcry over the prospect of a conflict in receiving money from a school administrator. Keltie Jones returned the donation from Tahir Ahad, but kept the other two donations. It was at this point, that Total Business Solutions had become identified publicly in Davis for the first time and people inside the educational community began to connect it to Tahir Ahad.
Total School Solutions grew slowly over time. By July of 2005, there were six directors listed on the Total School Solutions website. All of them were DJUSD employees. The Vice President was Susan Lendway who worked as a secretary to the associate superintendent for DJUSD. Director of Business Development, Aaron Shonk had risen from a secretary to the superintendent to the new Director of Business Development. Henry Petrino was a facilities director for the district and was Director of Operations for TSS. Vern Weber was actually not a direct DJUSD employee; instead he was a longtime consultant who did enrollment projects. And the general counsel of TSS was Maggie Harmon who worked as a budget officer for DJUSD.
By December of 2005, TSS added Nancy Walker who had been a business director at DJUSD and two long time consultants to the DJUSD Lonnie Poindexter and Ajay Mohindra. In April of 2006, Steve Horowitz had been added to the staff of TSS. And right now, there are well over 20 employees at TSS, over half previously worked at DJUSD in some capacity or another. Most recent additions include Solveig Monson, Tina Burkhart, Marty West, and Laurel Clumpner who still works for DJUSD as Principal for the Adult School.
Tahir Ahad would eventually hire four of his former employees from Vallejo Joint Unified to work at Davis Joint Unified. All four of them eventually ended up working for Total Schools Solutions: Tina Burkhardt, Rey Reyes, Nancy Walker and Susan Lendway.
Of those employees who worked for both DJUSD and TSS at the same time, this report specifically examines three of them: Susan Lendway, Aaron Shonk, and Henry Petrino.
Susan Lendway was Tahir Ahad’s secretary at the Vallejo School District. According to her bio on the TSS webpage, she has been Vice President of the company almost from the start in 1999. Ms. Lendway was hired to the position of Division Assistant, a clerical position in 2001.
Susan Lendway was hired as the confidential secretary for the educational services associate superintendent. Mr. Ahad hired Ms. Lendway over a number of longtime employees who had also applied for the job. More startling is the fact that the position was advertised as having a salary range of $2,497 to $3,187 per month. Ms. Lendway was hired at a rate that was almost $700 higher than the top end of that pay schedule at $3,874 per month.
More serious still are implications that come out of Tahir Ahad’s sexual harassment trial. Recall that Davis Joint Unified hired Mr. Ahad knowing that he faced litigation from two of his employees at the Vallejo School District. In November of 2002, Jurors voted by 9-3 in favor of Mr. Ahad. Key to that verdict was testimony by other Valley School District employees that Mr. Ahad was elsewhere on the dates that he was purported to have had some of the encounters. One of those who testified on his behalf was Susan Lendway. Lendway according to court documents delivered some of the key testimony that eventually got Mr. Ahad acquitted. Just before the trial Susan Lendway had been given a district job paying about $8000 per year more than the job was advertised for.
Regardless of these implications, the hiring of Susan Lendway demonstrates the pitfalls of a conflict of interest. Total Business Solutions does not report making a tremendous amount of money in those first three or four years—in the range of $10,000 to $100,000 according to Mr. Ahad’s 700 Disclosures. It would be difficult to hire and maintain a staff with the amount of expertise and skill as the one that Tahir Ahad was able to hire in the formative years of his business.
By hiring TSS employees to DJUSD as he did with Susan Lendway, he was able to provide them with a stable salary and more importantly use the district to provide them with health and retirement benefits. In essence, Tahir Ahad was in fact using DJUSD personnel with their district salaries and benefits as a foundation and start up for his company, a company that would eventually earn him a substantial income.
Aaron Shonk is another of the early members of TSS. When Tahir Ahad was hired, Aaron Shonk was working for the district as an executive secretary to the superintendent. He was hired in January of 1996, but in November of 2000 he became Resource Enhancement Manager. Then in November of 2003 he was named Interim Director of Maintenance and Operations and finally for his last year, Director of Maintenance and Operations. At the same time, he was working for TSS as their Director of Business Development.
This arrangement illustrates yet another pitfall of a conflict of interest. When employees are being hired to work for an individual at two different places, lines get blurred. First, as explained earlier Tahir Ahad had in his contract a unique signature authority to be able to hire and move employees as he saw fit. That gave him the power to promote those employees that were favored. Some of that promotion may not be based on work done for the school district, but rather work done for Tahir Ahad himself at TSS. That creates an inherent conflict of interest where you can no longer assume that employees are being rewarded for the job done on behalf of the school district. Moreover, the employees are no longer loyal to the school district itself, but rather to their boss, Tahir Ahad.
The case of Henry Petrino leads us to another problem. Mr. Petrino was another of the early employees at TSS. As Director of Facilities Planning, it was Henry Petrino who filed for the state’s matching grants on the Montgomery Schools Project. We will talk more about this issue in the next installment, but for now, we need to note that Henry Petrino submitted two defective applications for state matching funds. He was the one who missed the 180-day deadline not once, but twice. The first application was dismissed out of hand because it did not include required information; the second was dismissed due to missing the 180-day deadline—by five months. That missed deadline cost the district roughly $4.5 million in matching funds and set off a whole chain of events. It took an extraordinary effort and staff time last summer to recoup that lost money.
Was Mr. Petrino working on a project for Total Schools Solutions when he was supposed to be working on grant applications? We don’t know, but that lack of knowledge is part of the problem.
The other part of the problem was that during the course of Tahir Ahad’s tenure, many of his TSS employees would leave the district to work full-time for TSS. However, some of them were actually brought back as paid consultants for DJUSD.
One example is a contract signed by Henry Petrino on October 14, 2004. He had retired from the school district on October 1, 2004, and was brought back less than two weeks later as a consultant making $58.71 per hour. He was designated as a facilities consultant. The initiating administrator on that contract was Tahir Ahad who signed off on the contract. This in itself appears to be a clear conflict of interest but the looming question is unanswered—did any of this money go to TSS or was this merely a personal contract as it appears on paper. I do not know the answer to that either way, but it is just one of a number of looming questions that occur when lines such as these get blurred.
Vern Weber was never an actual employee of Davis Joint Unified; however, he was a hired consultant who did projected enrollments. He in fact did the original projections for enrollments for the Best Uses of Schools Task Force that would eventually recommend closing Valley Oak. But due to problems with those projections, he was replaced by Davis Demographics whose projections according to the Davis Enterprise were considerably less gloomy in terms of future enrollment.
Vern Weber demonstrates another pitfall with this arrangement. Tahir Ahad is given wide berth in terms of who he can hire. So Tahir Ahad employs Vern Weber as a TSS consultant at the same time Mr. Weber is consulting for Davis Joint Unified.
Total School Solutions was at the same time competing for qualifying bids in other school districts around the state. One example was the Acton Agua Dulce School District in August of 2005. Vern Weber’s resume is listed in their bid. The fact that he worked for Davis Joint Unified from 1998 until the present (at that point) was cited among a list of qualifying previous consulting jobs. At the same time you see in October 12, 2005, David Murphy, Tahir Ahad and Vern Weber attending the first Best Uses of Schools Task Force Meeting as district staff.
This provides another example of Tahir Ahad using the positions that he has hired his employees in the district as a means to improve the marketability of his own company. We also see around the same time, his promotion of his company over the district at a California Schools Boards Association Meeting.
On December 1, 2005, Tahir Ahad sat on a panel discussing Fiscal and Facilities Planning. “Hear a discussion of the impacts on fiscal planning and the type of facilities planning that must occur to meet the demands and effects of changing enrollment.” He is then listed as Tahir Ahad. His title is not CBO of Davis Joint Unified, but rather “President, Total School Solutions.” One can ask whether this trip was taken at taxpayer expense, but even if it was not, here he was at a CSBA meeting promoting not the school district, but his own company.
Meanwhile in an April 11, 2006 press release, the CSBA announced a new partnership with TSS.
“The California School Boards Association last month signed an agreement with Total School Solutions of Fairfield, CA to offer Proposition 39 performance audits to school districts.”
The release goes on to quote Tahir Ahad:
“Unlike our competitors, our firm is comprised of active and retired school facilities and financial management professionals who understand school management and the pressures and challenges faced by a district’s governance team.”
Once again, the marketing of Davis Joint Unified’s employees was used by Mr. Ahad to help produce a potentially very lucrative partnership with the California School Boards Association.
In November of 2005, Sheila Allen, Gina Daleiden, and Tim Taylor were elected to the school board. Soon after their election, Tahir Ahad realized that he no longer had his three votes to remain as CBO. Jim Provenza and B.J. Klein had often been on the short end of 3-2 votes in an effort to make changes to district practices. Marty West, Joan Sallee, and Keltie Jones were a reliable voting bloc in support of both Tahir Ahad and David Murphy. They had been joined by BJ Klein to extend Murphy’s contract as their terms expired prior to the new school board trustees being sworn in December 2005.
Realizing that he no longer had the majority of the school board support, Tahir Ahad announced he would leave at the end of his contract which expired in June of 2006. He had promised to continue working for the district up until that point, but apparently he had not kept that promise. In fact page 81 of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistant Team (FCMAT) report makes note of this.
“The Chief Business Official position became vacant in February 2006. An interim CBO was hired but was told not to work on facilities accounting and funding, because the former CBO [Tahir Ahad] would do that. That apparently did not occur, and thus the area of facilities needs immediate attention.”
One of the first tasks that the new board turned to was creating a new and stronger conflict of interest policy.
According to Board Member Gina Daleiden California Education Code already prohibits some of the practices that the Vanguard has found to have occurred under Tahir Ahad.
“My understanding of the government code is that employees should not employ other district employees in outside businesses.”
California Government Code Section 1126 (a) reads:
“The officer or employee shall not perform any work, service, or counsel for compensation outside of his or her local agency employment where any part of his or her efforts will be subject to approval by any other officer, employee, board, or commission of his or her employing body.”
Unfortunately weaknesses in the district’s previous conflict of interest policy prevented the district from taking action. “Our understanding from our attorney is that the district could not enforce that government code without our own district conflict policy. So we enacted the policy and then we were able to enforce government code.”
The existing conflict of interest policy prior to 2006 merely required “designated employees shall file statements of economic interests with the Davis Joint Unified School District.” These statements were the FPPC Form 700. As weak as that was only the board members and superintendent were assigned level 1 disclosure. Those associate superintendents, director of fiscal services and high school principal were only required level 2 disclosures while consultants were not required disclosure at all.
Board President Sheila Allen told the Vanguard, “There was nothing illegal about our conflict of interest policy. But it wasn’t as strong as it could be.”
So the three new board members along with Jim Provenza moved to strengthen it. Ms. Allen said, “In particular, we were interested in the question about outside work for our current employees and what our legal abilities were to know about and to restrict them to our ability.”
It was this point that drew division with fellow board member Keltie Jones. In the Davis Enterprise article from October 15, 2006, Jones was quoted as saying that this policy “put the superintendent in the untenable situation of not having clear direction as to whether the board does not want people brought forward who work for Total School Solutions.” Keltie Jones argued that this policy was really aimed at TSS. “If this means ‘Don’t hire anyone who works for Tahir’s company,’ I want that out there.”
Keltie Jones was the lone no vote on the consultant conflict of interest policy when the policy came up for a vote. She argued that it put consultants potentially at a disadvantage to have to disclose their clients publicly.
Gina Daleiden on the other hand was forceful on this issue during a board meeting in May of 2006 when she addressed the issue of employee conflict of interest policy, she told the public that the legal requirement was the minimum not the limit of conflict policy.
“I am interested in establishing a policy for this Board that defines and clearly restricts conflicts of interests and commitment and builds the public trust. Conflict of interest is an emerging area of the law. What is defined as “legal” now is the minimum, it is the floor, and I want us to reach higher, closer to the ceiling. I want the public to be comfortable with our practices and those of our employees. I do not want the public to question relationships, motives, connections, and decisions. I DO want the public to be able to trust the people who serve their schools. We will need this as we address difficult situations facing our district. I want us to be more transparent and go beyond the minimum, much as we tell the children in our classrooms.”
She would tell the Vanguard in an interview last month, “I think the rule that we should all follow as public servants whether we are elected as public servants or whether you serve in a public position, is that you should not use your public position for private gain.”
The new conflict of interest policy drafted by Jim Provenza and Tim Taylor specifically addresses the issue of outside employment. First, it acknowledges that “executive-level positions involve time and energy beyond a normal position of employment.” Furthermore it states that “outside paid activities are incompatible with District employment if they require time periods that interfere with the proper, efficient discharge of the executive-level employee’s duties, if they entail compensation from an outside source for activities that are part of the executive-level employee’s regular duties, or if they involve using for private gain the District’s name, prestige, time, facilities, equipment or supplies.”
It is clear from this language that the activities that occurred under Tahir Ahad will not be allowable under the new policies of conflict of interest. It is clear that the new board has significantly strengthened the language of the conflict of interest code to prevent a recurrence of the problem and to enable the district to take clear and decisive action should a situation occur in the future.
However, it is not without irony that the previous conflict of interest policy may have still have performed a significant function. Earlier in this article the Form 700 was mentioned as filed by Tahir Ahad. During the course of investigating this, the Vanguard made numerous public records requests. One of the documents that were requested was all of Tahir Ahad’s annually filed “Statement of Economic Interest” forms, the Form 700.
What was discovered was surprising. The first three forms were filled out with schedule A-2 checked, denoting “attached investments” and disclosing Total Business Solutions as a business entity or trust. The forms were filled out that way in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
However in 2003, 2004, and 2005 there was no such disclosure. Those years he checked “no reportable interests on any schedule.” However a quick Google search will show plenty of expanding business activity during that time. I have documents from each of those years showing Tahir Ahad as President of Total School Solutions. And yet he filled out no disclosure. In his final year of 2006, once again, he disclosed the existence of his business.
Upon discovering this, the Vanguard forwarded the documents to the new DJUSD Superintendent James Hammond and the district’s counsel Eve Fitchner. Since that point, the Vanguard was informed that those documents were forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and that there is an investigation underway. The Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating the matter and will issue a report to the District Attorney’s office. It would be ironic if even the weak policy was strong enough to put Tahir Ahad in legal jeopardy.
This story was interesting in that each time it appeared that the investigation would end, more information came out, and further leads developed. There are a few areas that still need to be examined.
First, is that former employees complained about the treatment of classified employees at the time. Complaints ranged from employment practices, disciplinary practices, preferential treatment of those loyal to Tahir Ahad and the forcing of those not loyal to Tahir Ahad, to limited positions until they invariably left the district for other employment. Some of these complaints are quite serious but not confirmed.
Second, the Vanguard was told that the standard practice was that Tahir Ahad and the TSS employees would work until 5 pm. At which point they would shift gears and begin working on TSS business from district offices using district equipment. The Vanguard has made additional records requests to verify this, however, at this time; the district is still sorting through those records.
Board President Sheila Allen spoke with the Vanguard. While she was willing to come forth with information she did want to emphasize that it was a new day and that practices have changed.
“I’m totally fine with people knowing what happened that’s fine with me, but I want the headline and I want the last part of it to be here’s how it’s changed. It’s a new day. We have a new superintendent; we have an all-new budget office.”
It is clear that the most recent board made critical changes to their conflict of interest policy to avoid a repeat of what happened in the past. In addition they have hired new personnel.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
This is the first in a three-part series. Next Sunday, we will have the second installment where we examine problems with the facilities funding that emerged as a result of the practices under Tahir Ahad and David Murphy.
wow. that’s a pretty big scoop. i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
wow. that’s a pretty big scoop. i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
wow. that’s a pretty big scoop. i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
wow. that’s a pretty big scoop. i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
If laws were broken or not should not be the only standard we are concerned with…we should expect and demand professional conduct from those in management/executive positions. Money wasted here is an outrage! I really didn’t need much reason to vote against ANY increase in funding for the schools and you folks have no one to blame but yourselves! Nice job, hope you are proud of the jobs you have done for the youth of this community.
If laws were broken or not should not be the only standard we are concerned with…we should expect and demand professional conduct from those in management/executive positions. Money wasted here is an outrage! I really didn’t need much reason to vote against ANY increase in funding for the schools and you folks have no one to blame but yourselves! Nice job, hope you are proud of the jobs you have done for the youth of this community.
If laws were broken or not should not be the only standard we are concerned with…we should expect and demand professional conduct from those in management/executive positions. Money wasted here is an outrage! I really didn’t need much reason to vote against ANY increase in funding for the schools and you folks have no one to blame but yourselves! Nice job, hope you are proud of the jobs you have done for the youth of this community.
If laws were broken or not should not be the only standard we are concerned with…we should expect and demand professional conduct from those in management/executive positions. Money wasted here is an outrage! I really didn’t need much reason to vote against ANY increase in funding for the schools and you folks have no one to blame but yourselves! Nice job, hope you are proud of the jobs you have done for the youth of this community.
Good job. I wonder if those ex-DJUSD employees were put on the payroll by Tahir Ahad and moved into different positions over the years in order to boost their pension/retirement benefits before they moved to Total Solutions. Seems like most of the work they were doing was completely unneeded.
Good job. I wonder if those ex-DJUSD employees were put on the payroll by Tahir Ahad and moved into different positions over the years in order to boost their pension/retirement benefits before they moved to Total Solutions. Seems like most of the work they were doing was completely unneeded.
Good job. I wonder if those ex-DJUSD employees were put on the payroll by Tahir Ahad and moved into different positions over the years in order to boost their pension/retirement benefits before they moved to Total Solutions. Seems like most of the work they were doing was completely unneeded.
Good job. I wonder if those ex-DJUSD employees were put on the payroll by Tahir Ahad and moved into different positions over the years in order to boost their pension/retirement benefits before they moved to Total Solutions. Seems like most of the work they were doing was completely unneeded.
Very interesting piece, the district certainly needs enhanced conflict of interest guidelines.
I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.
As people read this they should not forget the bigger issues facing the school district-
declining enrollment
lack of adequate funding – the funding per student is less than the state average. Perhaps the adults of Davis are short changing the youth of Davis.
The distict manages to allocate a higher percentage of the budget into academics than the state average so at least from that perspective it does not appear there is a gross mismanagment of funds.
Very interesting piece, the district certainly needs enhanced conflict of interest guidelines.
I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.
As people read this they should not forget the bigger issues facing the school district-
declining enrollment
lack of adequate funding – the funding per student is less than the state average. Perhaps the adults of Davis are short changing the youth of Davis.
The distict manages to allocate a higher percentage of the budget into academics than the state average so at least from that perspective it does not appear there is a gross mismanagment of funds.
Very interesting piece, the district certainly needs enhanced conflict of interest guidelines.
I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.
As people read this they should not forget the bigger issues facing the school district-
declining enrollment
lack of adequate funding – the funding per student is less than the state average. Perhaps the adults of Davis are short changing the youth of Davis.
The distict manages to allocate a higher percentage of the budget into academics than the state average so at least from that perspective it does not appear there is a gross mismanagment of funds.
Very interesting piece, the district certainly needs enhanced conflict of interest guidelines.
I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.
As people read this they should not forget the bigger issues facing the school district-
declining enrollment
lack of adequate funding – the funding per student is less than the state average. Perhaps the adults of Davis are short changing the youth of Davis.
The distict manages to allocate a higher percentage of the budget into academics than the state average so at least from that perspective it does not appear there is a gross mismanagment of funds.
…a primer on the pitfalls of privatization.
…a primer on the pitfalls of privatization.
…a primer on the pitfalls of privatization.
…a primer on the pitfalls of privatization.
This is really something that I am going to have to get my head wrapped around. Did board members and David Murphy know this was going on and do nothing to stop it?
This is really something that I am going to have to get my head wrapped around. Did board members and David Murphy know this was going on and do nothing to stop it?
This is really something that I am going to have to get my head wrapped around. Did board members and David Murphy know this was going on and do nothing to stop it?
This is really something that I am going to have to get my head wrapped around. Did board members and David Murphy know this was going on and do nothing to stop it?
Finally something good to say abouy Saylor
Finally something good to say abouy Saylor
Finally something good to say abouy Saylor
Finally something good to say abouy Saylor
Great job, David. I’m highly impressed by all the work you put into this topic.
When Gina Daleiden was running for School Board, she disclosed to me — then in confidence, but since out in the open — that she believed that the Tahir Ahad arrangement with the district was foul. She had hoped that I would have looked into the matter. But because of my own time constraints and other factors, I never did. As such, I’m greatly appreciative of all you’ve done and exposed.
“Upon discovering this, the Vanguard forwarded the documents to the new DJUSD Superintendent James Hammond and the district’s counsel Eve Fitchner. Since that point, the Vanguard was informed that those documents were forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and that there is an investigation underway. The Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating the matter and will issue a report to the District Attorney’s office. It would be ironic if even the weak policy was strong enough to put Tahir Ahad in legal jeopardy.”
Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?
If so, I wonder what they discovered and/or made public?
P.S. Anyone who did not see the front page article in today’s Enterprise on Davis blogs should check it out. It happens to alert readers to this story.
Great job, David. I’m highly impressed by all the work you put into this topic.
When Gina Daleiden was running for School Board, she disclosed to me — then in confidence, but since out in the open — that she believed that the Tahir Ahad arrangement with the district was foul. She had hoped that I would have looked into the matter. But because of my own time constraints and other factors, I never did. As such, I’m greatly appreciative of all you’ve done and exposed.
“Upon discovering this, the Vanguard forwarded the documents to the new DJUSD Superintendent James Hammond and the district’s counsel Eve Fitchner. Since that point, the Vanguard was informed that those documents were forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and that there is an investigation underway. The Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating the matter and will issue a report to the District Attorney’s office. It would be ironic if even the weak policy was strong enough to put Tahir Ahad in legal jeopardy.”
Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?
If so, I wonder what they discovered and/or made public?
P.S. Anyone who did not see the front page article in today’s Enterprise on Davis blogs should check it out. It happens to alert readers to this story.
Great job, David. I’m highly impressed by all the work you put into this topic.
When Gina Daleiden was running for School Board, she disclosed to me — then in confidence, but since out in the open — that she believed that the Tahir Ahad arrangement with the district was foul. She had hoped that I would have looked into the matter. But because of my own time constraints and other factors, I never did. As such, I’m greatly appreciative of all you’ve done and exposed.
“Upon discovering this, the Vanguard forwarded the documents to the new DJUSD Superintendent James Hammond and the district’s counsel Eve Fitchner. Since that point, the Vanguard was informed that those documents were forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and that there is an investigation underway. The Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating the matter and will issue a report to the District Attorney’s office. It would be ironic if even the weak policy was strong enough to put Tahir Ahad in legal jeopardy.”
Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?
If so, I wonder what they discovered and/or made public?
P.S. Anyone who did not see the front page article in today’s Enterprise on Davis blogs should check it out. It happens to alert readers to this story.
Great job, David. I’m highly impressed by all the work you put into this topic.
When Gina Daleiden was running for School Board, she disclosed to me — then in confidence, but since out in the open — that she believed that the Tahir Ahad arrangement with the district was foul. She had hoped that I would have looked into the matter. But because of my own time constraints and other factors, I never did. As such, I’m greatly appreciative of all you’ve done and exposed.
“Upon discovering this, the Vanguard forwarded the documents to the new DJUSD Superintendent James Hammond and the district’s counsel Eve Fitchner. Since that point, the Vanguard was informed that those documents were forwarded to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and that there is an investigation underway. The Fair Political Practices Commission is also investigating the matter and will issue a report to the District Attorney’s office. It would be ironic if even the weak policy was strong enough to put Tahir Ahad in legal jeopardy.”
Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?
If so, I wonder what they discovered and/or made public?
P.S. Anyone who did not see the front page article in today’s Enterprise on Davis blogs should check it out. It happens to alert readers to this story.
“I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.”
If Ahad’s alibi witness had a financial conflict of interest, then it seems to me that it directly parallels the conflicts of interest inherent in Ahad’s TSS employees who were likewise working for the DJUSD.
Also, I think it exposes the fact that the board which hired Ahad didn’t seem to concern itself with Ahad’s character issues. Now granted, if the allegations were entirely fabricated, then the sexual harrassment charge should not reflect badly on Mr. Ahad’s character. But if there was smoke within those charges, even if no fire was found, then the smoke alone should have been a danger signal to the Davis school board about the person they were so glowingly enamored with.
“I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.”
If Ahad’s alibi witness had a financial conflict of interest, then it seems to me that it directly parallels the conflicts of interest inherent in Ahad’s TSS employees who were likewise working for the DJUSD.
Also, I think it exposes the fact that the board which hired Ahad didn’t seem to concern itself with Ahad’s character issues. Now granted, if the allegations were entirely fabricated, then the sexual harrassment charge should not reflect badly on Mr. Ahad’s character. But if there was smoke within those charges, even if no fire was found, then the smoke alone should have been a danger signal to the Davis school board about the person they were so glowingly enamored with.
“I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.”
If Ahad’s alibi witness had a financial conflict of interest, then it seems to me that it directly parallels the conflicts of interest inherent in Ahad’s TSS employees who were likewise working for the DJUSD.
Also, I think it exposes the fact that the board which hired Ahad didn’t seem to concern itself with Ahad’s character issues. Now granted, if the allegations were entirely fabricated, then the sexual harrassment charge should not reflect badly on Mr. Ahad’s character. But if there was smoke within those charges, even if no fire was found, then the smoke alone should have been a danger signal to the Davis school board about the person they were so glowingly enamored with.
“I think it was wrong to bring up the sexual harassment lawsuit. The allegations were rejected by a jury. There are plenty of false sexual harassment allegations out there.”
If Ahad’s alibi witness had a financial conflict of interest, then it seems to me that it directly parallels the conflicts of interest inherent in Ahad’s TSS employees who were likewise working for the DJUSD.
Also, I think it exposes the fact that the board which hired Ahad didn’t seem to concern itself with Ahad’s character issues. Now granted, if the allegations were entirely fabricated, then the sexual harrassment charge should not reflect badly on Mr. Ahad’s character. But if there was smoke within those charges, even if no fire was found, then the smoke alone should have been a danger signal to the Davis school board about the person they were so glowingly enamored with.
“Finally something good to say abouy Saylor”
Remember… this was his School Board tenure,BEFORE he was “chosen” by developer interests to enter the Yolo Dem political pipeline to higher office beyond our city council.
“Finally something good to say abouy Saylor”
Remember… this was his School Board tenure,BEFORE he was “chosen” by developer interests to enter the Yolo Dem political pipeline to higher office beyond our city council.
“Finally something good to say abouy Saylor”
Remember… this was his School Board tenure,BEFORE he was “chosen” by developer interests to enter the Yolo Dem political pipeline to higher office beyond our city council.
“Finally something good to say abouy Saylor”
Remember… this was his School Board tenure,BEFORE he was “chosen” by developer interests to enter the Yolo Dem political pipeline to higher office beyond our city council.
Great Work DPD!! Good investigative work. Keep it up. We need you.
Great Work DPD!! Good investigative work. Keep it up. We need you.
Great Work DPD!! Good investigative work. Keep it up. We need you.
Great Work DPD!! Good investigative work. Keep it up. We need you.
Rich:
First, thanks for the kind words.
Second,
“Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?”
My understanding is that they were sent some information but never followed up on it. I also know that the DA’s office looked into it a bit a few years ago.
Rich:
First, thanks for the kind words.
Second,
“Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?”
My understanding is that they were sent some information but never followed up on it. I also know that the DA’s office looked into it a bit a few years ago.
Rich:
First, thanks for the kind words.
Second,
“Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?”
My understanding is that they were sent some information but never followed up on it. I also know that the DA’s office looked into it a bit a few years ago.
Rich:
First, thanks for the kind words.
Second,
“Did the Yolo County Grand Jury ever investigate the DJSUD during Ahad’s years, here?”
My understanding is that they were sent some information but never followed up on it. I also know that the DA’s office looked into it a bit a few years ago.
This whole thing makes my heart hurt.
When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company. Had we known about extraneous staff within the Business office who were employed outside of the District at the same time they were supposedly working for us, it would have been easy to let them go and save the jobs of school secretaries, aids, counselors and librarians.
This may explain the extreme animosity that Marty West has toward Jim Provenza and others. I wonder at what point exactly that she stopped working in the best interests of the District and our children and started working for the best interests of herself and her new employer. I thought she worked for UCD at the Law School.
This whole thing makes my heart hurt.
When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company. Had we known about extraneous staff within the Business office who were employed outside of the District at the same time they were supposedly working for us, it would have been easy to let them go and save the jobs of school secretaries, aids, counselors and librarians.
This may explain the extreme animosity that Marty West has toward Jim Provenza and others. I wonder at what point exactly that she stopped working in the best interests of the District and our children and started working for the best interests of herself and her new employer. I thought she worked for UCD at the Law School.
This whole thing makes my heart hurt.
When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company. Had we known about extraneous staff within the Business office who were employed outside of the District at the same time they were supposedly working for us, it would have been easy to let them go and save the jobs of school secretaries, aids, counselors and librarians.
This may explain the extreme animosity that Marty West has toward Jim Provenza and others. I wonder at what point exactly that she stopped working in the best interests of the District and our children and started working for the best interests of herself and her new employer. I thought she worked for UCD at the Law School.
This whole thing makes my heart hurt.
When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company. Had we known about extraneous staff within the Business office who were employed outside of the District at the same time they were supposedly working for us, it would have been easy to let them go and save the jobs of school secretaries, aids, counselors and librarians.
This may explain the extreme animosity that Marty West has toward Jim Provenza and others. I wonder at what point exactly that she stopped working in the best interests of the District and our children and started working for the best interests of herself and her new employer. I thought she worked for UCD at the Law School.
I have been waiting to hear more about the (mis)deeds of Tahir Ahad for a long time. This is a truly amazing piece of journalism, DPD, espite your claim in the empty prize that you have never wanted to be a journalist.
As far as the sexual harassment charges. I would not find it completely out of the question for them to overlook a charge after he was cleared, (although I think it would give most employers pause) but it seems that they hired him while the case was still pending. I consider this to be both unusual and risky. What if the verdict had gone the other way?
I look forward to further revelations in the upcoming installments. The Henry Petrino fiasco certainly calls for more investigation. When I think of how much work and humiliation was involved in getting that funding mistake corrected, it just makes me sick.
I have been waiting to hear more about the (mis)deeds of Tahir Ahad for a long time. This is a truly amazing piece of journalism, DPD, espite your claim in the empty prize that you have never wanted to be a journalist.
As far as the sexual harassment charges. I would not find it completely out of the question for them to overlook a charge after he was cleared, (although I think it would give most employers pause) but it seems that they hired him while the case was still pending. I consider this to be both unusual and risky. What if the verdict had gone the other way?
I look forward to further revelations in the upcoming installments. The Henry Petrino fiasco certainly calls for more investigation. When I think of how much work and humiliation was involved in getting that funding mistake corrected, it just makes me sick.
I have been waiting to hear more about the (mis)deeds of Tahir Ahad for a long time. This is a truly amazing piece of journalism, DPD, espite your claim in the empty prize that you have never wanted to be a journalist.
As far as the sexual harassment charges. I would not find it completely out of the question for them to overlook a charge after he was cleared, (although I think it would give most employers pause) but it seems that they hired him while the case was still pending. I consider this to be both unusual and risky. What if the verdict had gone the other way?
I look forward to further revelations in the upcoming installments. The Henry Petrino fiasco certainly calls for more investigation. When I think of how much work and humiliation was involved in getting that funding mistake corrected, it just makes me sick.
I have been waiting to hear more about the (mis)deeds of Tahir Ahad for a long time. This is a truly amazing piece of journalism, DPD, espite your claim in the empty prize that you have never wanted to be a journalist.
As far as the sexual harassment charges. I would not find it completely out of the question for them to overlook a charge after he was cleared, (although I think it would give most employers pause) but it seems that they hired him while the case was still pending. I consider this to be both unusual and risky. What if the verdict had gone the other way?
I look forward to further revelations in the upcoming installments. The Henry Petrino fiasco certainly calls for more investigation. When I think of how much work and humiliation was involved in getting that funding mistake corrected, it just makes me sick.
As a famous line in a movie once said, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. A failure of the School Board to communicate what was going on to the public. This unethical and illegal behavior by Tahir Ahad and quite a few school district employees was allowed to fester for seven years, before anything was remotely done to address the situation – at the expense of our CHILDREN, who are now going to pay the ultimate price for “mistakes” made in the past.
IMHO, every single School Board member, past and present, should feel ashamed to have allowed this to go on without raising whatever stink was necessary to call attention to such unsavory conduct and put a stop to it.
“This is a new day?” Baloney! It’s business as usual. “This is a new day” is just another way of saying let’s move on and sweep this whole messy affair under the rug. How dare the School Board ask taxpayers to vote for Measure Q, while paying David Murphy $240,000 for doing absolutely nothing. The same man who was well aware, or should have known what was going on in regard to Tahir Ahad, TSS and employees working for both DJUSD and TSS.
As DPD reveals more slime under the rock, the public is going to begin to see how much damage has been wrought as a result of ineffectual School Board members failing to bring what they knew into the sunshine for all to see. This is groundbreaking journalism at its best – where a dedicated and outraged reporter found the time and energy to bring into the light what he knew to be in the public’s interest. If no one complains, there will be no change.
Excellent journalism, DPD. I am looking forward to the next two installments. BRING IT ON!
As a famous line in a movie once said, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. A failure of the School Board to communicate what was going on to the public. This unethical and illegal behavior by Tahir Ahad and quite a few school district employees was allowed to fester for seven years, before anything was remotely done to address the situation – at the expense of our CHILDREN, who are now going to pay the ultimate price for “mistakes” made in the past.
IMHO, every single School Board member, past and present, should feel ashamed to have allowed this to go on without raising whatever stink was necessary to call attention to such unsavory conduct and put a stop to it.
“This is a new day?” Baloney! It’s business as usual. “This is a new day” is just another way of saying let’s move on and sweep this whole messy affair under the rug. How dare the School Board ask taxpayers to vote for Measure Q, while paying David Murphy $240,000 for doing absolutely nothing. The same man who was well aware, or should have known what was going on in regard to Tahir Ahad, TSS and employees working for both DJUSD and TSS.
As DPD reveals more slime under the rock, the public is going to begin to see how much damage has been wrought as a result of ineffectual School Board members failing to bring what they knew into the sunshine for all to see. This is groundbreaking journalism at its best – where a dedicated and outraged reporter found the time and energy to bring into the light what he knew to be in the public’s interest. If no one complains, there will be no change.
Excellent journalism, DPD. I am looking forward to the next two installments. BRING IT ON!
As a famous line in a movie once said, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. A failure of the School Board to communicate what was going on to the public. This unethical and illegal behavior by Tahir Ahad and quite a few school district employees was allowed to fester for seven years, before anything was remotely done to address the situation – at the expense of our CHILDREN, who are now going to pay the ultimate price for “mistakes” made in the past.
IMHO, every single School Board member, past and present, should feel ashamed to have allowed this to go on without raising whatever stink was necessary to call attention to such unsavory conduct and put a stop to it.
“This is a new day?” Baloney! It’s business as usual. “This is a new day” is just another way of saying let’s move on and sweep this whole messy affair under the rug. How dare the School Board ask taxpayers to vote for Measure Q, while paying David Murphy $240,000 for doing absolutely nothing. The same man who was well aware, or should have known what was going on in regard to Tahir Ahad, TSS and employees working for both DJUSD and TSS.
As DPD reveals more slime under the rock, the public is going to begin to see how much damage has been wrought as a result of ineffectual School Board members failing to bring what they knew into the sunshine for all to see. This is groundbreaking journalism at its best – where a dedicated and outraged reporter found the time and energy to bring into the light what he knew to be in the public’s interest. If no one complains, there will be no change.
Excellent journalism, DPD. I am looking forward to the next two installments. BRING IT ON!
As a famous line in a movie once said, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. A failure of the School Board to communicate what was going on to the public. This unethical and illegal behavior by Tahir Ahad and quite a few school district employees was allowed to fester for seven years, before anything was remotely done to address the situation – at the expense of our CHILDREN, who are now going to pay the ultimate price for “mistakes” made in the past.
IMHO, every single School Board member, past and present, should feel ashamed to have allowed this to go on without raising whatever stink was necessary to call attention to such unsavory conduct and put a stop to it.
“This is a new day?” Baloney! It’s business as usual. “This is a new day” is just another way of saying let’s move on and sweep this whole messy affair under the rug. How dare the School Board ask taxpayers to vote for Measure Q, while paying David Murphy $240,000 for doing absolutely nothing. The same man who was well aware, or should have known what was going on in regard to Tahir Ahad, TSS and employees working for both DJUSD and TSS.
As DPD reveals more slime under the rock, the public is going to begin to see how much damage has been wrought as a result of ineffectual School Board members failing to bring what they knew into the sunshine for all to see. This is groundbreaking journalism at its best – where a dedicated and outraged reporter found the time and energy to bring into the light what he knew to be in the public’s interest. If no one complains, there will be no change.
Excellent journalism, DPD. I am looking forward to the next two installments. BRING IT ON!
The contract written was so ridiculously one-sided, that even a nincompoop could see what direction all of this was headed. It doesn’t take a genious to read a contract like that, to figure Tahir was looking to set up his own outside business while he was working for DJUSD; raid employees from DJUSD; and line his own pockets at the expense of the school district. The language itself speaks to doing just that. So who was asleep at the switch here, to allow such a contract to be drawn up or even considered?
The contract written was so ridiculously one-sided, that even a nincompoop could see what direction all of this was headed. It doesn’t take a genious to read a contract like that, to figure Tahir was looking to set up his own outside business while he was working for DJUSD; raid employees from DJUSD; and line his own pockets at the expense of the school district. The language itself speaks to doing just that. So who was asleep at the switch here, to allow such a contract to be drawn up or even considered?
The contract written was so ridiculously one-sided, that even a nincompoop could see what direction all of this was headed. It doesn’t take a genious to read a contract like that, to figure Tahir was looking to set up his own outside business while he was working for DJUSD; raid employees from DJUSD; and line his own pockets at the expense of the school district. The language itself speaks to doing just that. So who was asleep at the switch here, to allow such a contract to be drawn up or even considered?
The contract written was so ridiculously one-sided, that even a nincompoop could see what direction all of this was headed. It doesn’t take a genious to read a contract like that, to figure Tahir was looking to set up his own outside business while he was working for DJUSD; raid employees from DJUSD; and line his own pockets at the expense of the school district. The language itself speaks to doing just that. So who was asleep at the switch here, to allow such a contract to be drawn up or even considered?
If TSS was established and created at the expense of DJUSD and the children of Davis, and it can be established that TSS employees/DJUSD violated laws in the creation and establishment of TSS, then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits. It appears that DJUSD invested in TSS as a startup company and didn’t even know it. Might not this help the District’s budget. I suggest that the Board request its counsel to investigate if there is any legal basis for a claim to TSS’s profits. If the government can go after the profits and seize homes and cars derived from illegal activity, then why not go after the profits of these former school employees if they violated laws at the expense of our children.
If TSS was established and created at the expense of DJUSD and the children of Davis, and it can be established that TSS employees/DJUSD violated laws in the creation and establishment of TSS, then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits. It appears that DJUSD invested in TSS as a startup company and didn’t even know it. Might not this help the District’s budget. I suggest that the Board request its counsel to investigate if there is any legal basis for a claim to TSS’s profits. If the government can go after the profits and seize homes and cars derived from illegal activity, then why not go after the profits of these former school employees if they violated laws at the expense of our children.
If TSS was established and created at the expense of DJUSD and the children of Davis, and it can be established that TSS employees/DJUSD violated laws in the creation and establishment of TSS, then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits. It appears that DJUSD invested in TSS as a startup company and didn’t even know it. Might not this help the District’s budget. I suggest that the Board request its counsel to investigate if there is any legal basis for a claim to TSS’s profits. If the government can go after the profits and seize homes and cars derived from illegal activity, then why not go after the profits of these former school employees if they violated laws at the expense of our children.
If TSS was established and created at the expense of DJUSD and the children of Davis, and it can be established that TSS employees/DJUSD violated laws in the creation and establishment of TSS, then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits. It appears that DJUSD invested in TSS as a startup company and didn’t even know it. Might not this help the District’s budget. I suggest that the Board request its counsel to investigate if there is any legal basis for a claim to TSS’s profits. If the government can go after the profits and seize homes and cars derived from illegal activity, then why not go after the profits of these former school employees if they violated laws at the expense of our children.
Sorry, but as an attorney, I don’t see the reasoning behind why CGC 1126(a) does not apply. Tahir Ahad was an employee of the DJUSD; he performed work for compensation outside of DJUSD at TSS; his efforts were subject to the approval of himself and his friends at TSS and himself and his friends at DJUSD.
Furthermore, it makes no sense to have a requirement of disclosure for potential conflicts of interest, then argue if there is a conflict of interest revealed, nothing in the district policy requires enforcement. CGC 1126(a) provides the enforcement mechanism. Otherwise, why bother with a duty to report?
Sorry, but as an attorney, I don’t see the reasoning behind why CGC 1126(a) does not apply. Tahir Ahad was an employee of the DJUSD; he performed work for compensation outside of DJUSD at TSS; his efforts were subject to the approval of himself and his friends at TSS and himself and his friends at DJUSD.
Furthermore, it makes no sense to have a requirement of disclosure for potential conflicts of interest, then argue if there is a conflict of interest revealed, nothing in the district policy requires enforcement. CGC 1126(a) provides the enforcement mechanism. Otherwise, why bother with a duty to report?
Sorry, but as an attorney, I don’t see the reasoning behind why CGC 1126(a) does not apply. Tahir Ahad was an employee of the DJUSD; he performed work for compensation outside of DJUSD at TSS; his efforts were subject to the approval of himself and his friends at TSS and himself and his friends at DJUSD.
Furthermore, it makes no sense to have a requirement of disclosure for potential conflicts of interest, then argue if there is a conflict of interest revealed, nothing in the district policy requires enforcement. CGC 1126(a) provides the enforcement mechanism. Otherwise, why bother with a duty to report?
Sorry, but as an attorney, I don’t see the reasoning behind why CGC 1126(a) does not apply. Tahir Ahad was an employee of the DJUSD; he performed work for compensation outside of DJUSD at TSS; his efforts were subject to the approval of himself and his friends at TSS and himself and his friends at DJUSD.
Furthermore, it makes no sense to have a requirement of disclosure for potential conflicts of interest, then argue if there is a conflict of interest revealed, nothing in the district policy requires enforcement. CGC 1126(a) provides the enforcement mechanism. Otherwise, why bother with a duty to report?
DPD, I remember hearing about financial mismanagement in the Vallejo school district prior to Tahir Ahad leaving there. Do you know anything about what that involved?
DPD, I remember hearing about financial mismanagement in the Vallejo school district prior to Tahir Ahad leaving there. Do you know anything about what that involved?
DPD, I remember hearing about financial mismanagement in the Vallejo school district prior to Tahir Ahad leaving there. Do you know anything about what that involved?
DPD, I remember hearing about financial mismanagement in the Vallejo school district prior to Tahir Ahad leaving there. Do you know anything about what that involved?
You can actually Google it. They had an investigation and it was a bit murky as to whether he was the cause of the problem, the cure for the problem, or the problem existed before him and continued after him.
You can actually Google it. They had an investigation and it was a bit murky as to whether he was the cause of the problem, the cure for the problem, or the problem existed before him and continued after him.
You can actually Google it. They had an investigation and it was a bit murky as to whether he was the cause of the problem, the cure for the problem, or the problem existed before him and continued after him.
You can actually Google it. They had an investigation and it was a bit murky as to whether he was the cause of the problem, the cure for the problem, or the problem existed before him and continued after him.
“then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits.”
The Board should have requested a piece of the action at the beginning -the district could use the money.
“then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits.”
The Board should have requested a piece of the action at the beginning -the district could use the money.
“then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits.”
The Board should have requested a piece of the action at the beginning -the district could use the money.
“then maybe the Board should look at claiming TSS’s profits.”
The Board should have requested a piece of the action at the beginning -the district could use the money.
Could you post a PayPal donation link (or something similar)?
Outstanding reporting, as usual.
Could you post a PayPal donation link (or something similar)?
Outstanding reporting, as usual.
Could you post a PayPal donation link (or something similar)?
Outstanding reporting, as usual.
Could you post a PayPal donation link (or something similar)?
Outstanding reporting, as usual.
Incredible research, DPD! Thanks for the great job. I find it so bizarre that Marty West, Joan Sallee and Ruth Asmundson would vote to approve a contract like the one they gave Tahir. And they looked like semi-intelligent people–at least not THIS ignorant! (And Ruth is our next mayor?!?) And for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh? She certainly doesn’t care about financial responsibility (…nor about Latinos since she was so adamant about closing Valley Oak and it’s successful EL program!) Marty and Keltie are both in the legal field. I guess ethics is not a component of Justice.
It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?
“When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company.”…
I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?
It amazes me that our schools have hung on so long with this level of crappy leadership. I wish people would have been willing to forgo a parcel tax for just one year by standing up and saying this garbage must be stopped. Instead, by looking the other way for a short term success, the perpetrators of such unethical decisions are not called on the carpet and our kids are hurt in the long term.
I’m disappointed by so much about Davis and its school district, from the people who run everything to the people LET them get away with everything to the people who watch in silence so the school bonds will pass. They are ALL to blame.
Incredible research, DPD! Thanks for the great job. I find it so bizarre that Marty West, Joan Sallee and Ruth Asmundson would vote to approve a contract like the one they gave Tahir. And they looked like semi-intelligent people–at least not THIS ignorant! (And Ruth is our next mayor?!?) And for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh? She certainly doesn’t care about financial responsibility (…nor about Latinos since she was so adamant about closing Valley Oak and it’s successful EL program!) Marty and Keltie are both in the legal field. I guess ethics is not a component of Justice.
It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?
“When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company.”…
I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?
It amazes me that our schools have hung on so long with this level of crappy leadership. I wish people would have been willing to forgo a parcel tax for just one year by standing up and saying this garbage must be stopped. Instead, by looking the other way for a short term success, the perpetrators of such unethical decisions are not called on the carpet and our kids are hurt in the long term.
I’m disappointed by so much about Davis and its school district, from the people who run everything to the people LET them get away with everything to the people who watch in silence so the school bonds will pass. They are ALL to blame.
Incredible research, DPD! Thanks for the great job. I find it so bizarre that Marty West, Joan Sallee and Ruth Asmundson would vote to approve a contract like the one they gave Tahir. And they looked like semi-intelligent people–at least not THIS ignorant! (And Ruth is our next mayor?!?) And for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh? She certainly doesn’t care about financial responsibility (…nor about Latinos since she was so adamant about closing Valley Oak and it’s successful EL program!) Marty and Keltie are both in the legal field. I guess ethics is not a component of Justice.
It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?
“When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company.”…
I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?
It amazes me that our schools have hung on so long with this level of crappy leadership. I wish people would have been willing to forgo a parcel tax for just one year by standing up and saying this garbage must be stopped. Instead, by looking the other way for a short term success, the perpetrators of such unethical decisions are not called on the carpet and our kids are hurt in the long term.
I’m disappointed by so much about Davis and its school district, from the people who run everything to the people LET them get away with everything to the people who watch in silence so the school bonds will pass. They are ALL to blame.
Incredible research, DPD! Thanks for the great job. I find it so bizarre that Marty West, Joan Sallee and Ruth Asmundson would vote to approve a contract like the one they gave Tahir. And they looked like semi-intelligent people–at least not THIS ignorant! (And Ruth is our next mayor?!?) And for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh? She certainly doesn’t care about financial responsibility (…nor about Latinos since she was so adamant about closing Valley Oak and it’s successful EL program!) Marty and Keltie are both in the legal field. I guess ethics is not a component of Justice.
It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?
“When the district was facing budget cuts several years ago, Tahir enthusiastically volunteered to cut his hours to part time purportedly help the District in meeting its budget goals. During the Superintendent’s Advisory meetings when this was discussed, David Murphy made it clear that there was some problem he was struggling with concerning Tahir and his outside company.”…
I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?
It amazes me that our schools have hung on so long with this level of crappy leadership. I wish people would have been willing to forgo a parcel tax for just one year by standing up and saying this garbage must be stopped. Instead, by looking the other way for a short term success, the perpetrators of such unethical decisions are not called on the carpet and our kids are hurt in the long term.
I’m disappointed by so much about Davis and its school district, from the people who run everything to the people LET them get away with everything to the people who watch in silence so the school bonds will pass. They are ALL to blame.
I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.
I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.
I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.
I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.
Nothing too “murky” about this:
1. VALLEJO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’s RESPONSE TO
AB139 AUDIT
Mr. White stated that this item was brought forth as a
concern by Mr. Gerda at the May 19th Bond Oversight
Committee meeting, as well as at the May 24th Board
meeting. Mr. Gerda presented to the BOC a partial
quote from a newspaper article regarding Mr. Tahir
Ahad from Total School Solutions. The quote in the
article was damaging to Mr. Ahad and suggested that he
was responsible for the negative financials of the
Vallejo City Unified School District. Mr. White
stated that in order to clarify Mr. Gerda’s concern,
he has provided the Committee with an article written
and signed by the Vallejo City Unified School District
that exonerated Mr. Ahad of any allegations.
So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.
Nothing too “murky” about this:
1. VALLEJO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’s RESPONSE TO
AB139 AUDIT
Mr. White stated that this item was brought forth as a
concern by Mr. Gerda at the May 19th Bond Oversight
Committee meeting, as well as at the May 24th Board
meeting. Mr. Gerda presented to the BOC a partial
quote from a newspaper article regarding Mr. Tahir
Ahad from Total School Solutions. The quote in the
article was damaging to Mr. Ahad and suggested that he
was responsible for the negative financials of the
Vallejo City Unified School District. Mr. White
stated that in order to clarify Mr. Gerda’s concern,
he has provided the Committee with an article written
and signed by the Vallejo City Unified School District
that exonerated Mr. Ahad of any allegations.
So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.
Nothing too “murky” about this:
1. VALLEJO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’s RESPONSE TO
AB139 AUDIT
Mr. White stated that this item was brought forth as a
concern by Mr. Gerda at the May 19th Bond Oversight
Committee meeting, as well as at the May 24th Board
meeting. Mr. Gerda presented to the BOC a partial
quote from a newspaper article regarding Mr. Tahir
Ahad from Total School Solutions. The quote in the
article was damaging to Mr. Ahad and suggested that he
was responsible for the negative financials of the
Vallejo City Unified School District. Mr. White
stated that in order to clarify Mr. Gerda’s concern,
he has provided the Committee with an article written
and signed by the Vallejo City Unified School District
that exonerated Mr. Ahad of any allegations.
So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.
Nothing too “murky” about this:
1. VALLEJO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’s RESPONSE TO
AB139 AUDIT
Mr. White stated that this item was brought forth as a
concern by Mr. Gerda at the May 19th Bond Oversight
Committee meeting, as well as at the May 24th Board
meeting. Mr. Gerda presented to the BOC a partial
quote from a newspaper article regarding Mr. Tahir
Ahad from Total School Solutions. The quote in the
article was damaging to Mr. Ahad and suggested that he
was responsible for the negative financials of the
Vallejo City Unified School District. Mr. White
stated that in order to clarify Mr. Gerda’s concern,
he has provided the Committee with an article written
and signed by the Vallejo City Unified School District
that exonerated Mr. Ahad of any allegations.
So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.
“So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.”
That’s not an accurate statement, TSS was not formed until after he was hired at DJUSD.
“So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.”
That’s not an accurate statement, TSS was not formed until after he was hired at DJUSD.
“So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.”
That’s not an accurate statement, TSS was not formed until after he was hired at DJUSD.
“So Ahad was already working at TSS when he took on a part time position here. Nothing nefarious there.”
That’s not an accurate statement, TSS was not formed until after he was hired at DJUSD.
“I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.”
What are you referring to?
“I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.”
What are you referring to?
“I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.”
What are you referring to?
“I can find nothing to this story. There’s no there there.”
What are you referring to?
So, what is the statute of limitations on criminal charges for failure to disclose the financial interests in the outside company for several years? Is it too late? If not, has the Yolo D.A. done anything about it?
So, what is the statute of limitations on criminal charges for failure to disclose the financial interests in the outside company for several years? Is it too late? If not, has the Yolo D.A. done anything about it?
So, what is the statute of limitations on criminal charges for failure to disclose the financial interests in the outside company for several years? Is it too late? If not, has the Yolo D.A. done anything about it?
So, what is the statute of limitations on criminal charges for failure to disclose the financial interests in the outside company for several years? Is it too late? If not, has the Yolo D.A. done anything about it?
Was Henry Petrino paid any fees for consulting by the District or was a District employee when he was working on the Montgomery grant? If he was paid as a consultant, could the District recoup those fees from TSS for failure to deliver? Could this be the same for Vern?
Could the District charge back rent for the use of its offices and equipment for the time that TSS used District space for its business?
Could the District see if TSS employees performed TSS business during the times that they were supposed to be working for the District, i.e. through email records, telephone records, etc. and charge TSS for the time, use of equipment, etc.
Are any TSS employees still receiving benefits from the District, i.e. health insurance, etc.?
Was Henry Petrino paid any fees for consulting by the District or was a District employee when he was working on the Montgomery grant? If he was paid as a consultant, could the District recoup those fees from TSS for failure to deliver? Could this be the same for Vern?
Could the District charge back rent for the use of its offices and equipment for the time that TSS used District space for its business?
Could the District see if TSS employees performed TSS business during the times that they were supposed to be working for the District, i.e. through email records, telephone records, etc. and charge TSS for the time, use of equipment, etc.
Are any TSS employees still receiving benefits from the District, i.e. health insurance, etc.?
Was Henry Petrino paid any fees for consulting by the District or was a District employee when he was working on the Montgomery grant? If he was paid as a consultant, could the District recoup those fees from TSS for failure to deliver? Could this be the same for Vern?
Could the District charge back rent for the use of its offices and equipment for the time that TSS used District space for its business?
Could the District see if TSS employees performed TSS business during the times that they were supposed to be working for the District, i.e. through email records, telephone records, etc. and charge TSS for the time, use of equipment, etc.
Are any TSS employees still receiving benefits from the District, i.e. health insurance, etc.?
Was Henry Petrino paid any fees for consulting by the District or was a District employee when he was working on the Montgomery grant? If he was paid as a consultant, could the District recoup those fees from TSS for failure to deliver? Could this be the same for Vern?
Could the District charge back rent for the use of its offices and equipment for the time that TSS used District space for its business?
Could the District see if TSS employees performed TSS business during the times that they were supposed to be working for the District, i.e. through email records, telephone records, etc. and charge TSS for the time, use of equipment, etc.
Are any TSS employees still receiving benefits from the District, i.e. health insurance, etc.?
One thought that ran through my mind was as follows: The school district is spending inordinate amounts of time and legal fees to fight the Valley Oak charter petition, yet were completely unwilling to hire an attorney to facilitate David Murphy’s firing. The comment I heard was it would be too expensive because of extensive legal fees. Instead, we are paying him $240,000 for doing nothing for an entire year.
I agree with Don Mooney’s post – why can’t the law go after TSS for illicit profits? This should be seriously considered. I wonder if this is within the DA’s purview, or if there would have to be a civil suit instituted for recovery of this sort? Bet the current School Board wouldn’t bother – insisting it would cost too much in legal fees! It’s easy for the School Board/District to spend other people’s money w aplomb with virtually no accountability. This is just absolutely disgraceful.
One thought that ran through my mind was as follows: The school district is spending inordinate amounts of time and legal fees to fight the Valley Oak charter petition, yet were completely unwilling to hire an attorney to facilitate David Murphy’s firing. The comment I heard was it would be too expensive because of extensive legal fees. Instead, we are paying him $240,000 for doing nothing for an entire year.
I agree with Don Mooney’s post – why can’t the law go after TSS for illicit profits? This should be seriously considered. I wonder if this is within the DA’s purview, or if there would have to be a civil suit instituted for recovery of this sort? Bet the current School Board wouldn’t bother – insisting it would cost too much in legal fees! It’s easy for the School Board/District to spend other people’s money w aplomb with virtually no accountability. This is just absolutely disgraceful.
One thought that ran through my mind was as follows: The school district is spending inordinate amounts of time and legal fees to fight the Valley Oak charter petition, yet were completely unwilling to hire an attorney to facilitate David Murphy’s firing. The comment I heard was it would be too expensive because of extensive legal fees. Instead, we are paying him $240,000 for doing nothing for an entire year.
I agree with Don Mooney’s post – why can’t the law go after TSS for illicit profits? This should be seriously considered. I wonder if this is within the DA’s purview, or if there would have to be a civil suit instituted for recovery of this sort? Bet the current School Board wouldn’t bother – insisting it would cost too much in legal fees! It’s easy for the School Board/District to spend other people’s money w aplomb with virtually no accountability. This is just absolutely disgraceful.
One thought that ran through my mind was as follows: The school district is spending inordinate amounts of time and legal fees to fight the Valley Oak charter petition, yet were completely unwilling to hire an attorney to facilitate David Murphy’s firing. The comment I heard was it would be too expensive because of extensive legal fees. Instead, we are paying him $240,000 for doing nothing for an entire year.
I agree with Don Mooney’s post – why can’t the law go after TSS for illicit profits? This should be seriously considered. I wonder if this is within the DA’s purview, or if there would have to be a civil suit instituted for recovery of this sort? Bet the current School Board wouldn’t bother – insisting it would cost too much in legal fees! It’s easy for the School Board/District to spend other people’s money w aplomb with virtually no accountability. This is just absolutely disgraceful.
for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh?
This is crossing an unacceptable line. I don’t see how the sexual orientation of former or current board members is relevant to this discussion.
for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh?
This is crossing an unacceptable line. I don’t see how the sexual orientation of former or current board members is relevant to this discussion.
for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh?
This is crossing an unacceptable line. I don’t see how the sexual orientation of former or current board members is relevant to this discussion.
for Keltie Jones to be so supportive of Tahir in the face of criticism—makes me upset that I was so fooled by her declarations of caring for the children of Davis. Maybe it’s just children in same-sex families, eh?
This is crossing an unacceptable line. I don’t see how the sexual orientation of former or current board members is relevant to this discussion.
For Pete’s Sake:
I don’t think that Keltie’s sexual orientation has anything to do with all of this. During her term, she was rightly concerned about the treatment of gay children and children with same-sex parents – something very close to home for her. However, her defense of and collaboration in protecting Tahir’s business is what is in question. She obviously knew about the arrangement. Her friend and mentor, Marty West was and is intimately involved in Tahir’s company. She took campaign contributions from Tahir, Tahir’s family and Tahir’s business. In this, she lost sight of the broader picture of caring for and educating all children and one has to wonder why she felt that this was the ethical way to go.
For Pete’s Sake:
I don’t think that Keltie’s sexual orientation has anything to do with all of this. During her term, she was rightly concerned about the treatment of gay children and children with same-sex parents – something very close to home for her. However, her defense of and collaboration in protecting Tahir’s business is what is in question. She obviously knew about the arrangement. Her friend and mentor, Marty West was and is intimately involved in Tahir’s company. She took campaign contributions from Tahir, Tahir’s family and Tahir’s business. In this, she lost sight of the broader picture of caring for and educating all children and one has to wonder why she felt that this was the ethical way to go.
For Pete’s Sake:
I don’t think that Keltie’s sexual orientation has anything to do with all of this. During her term, she was rightly concerned about the treatment of gay children and children with same-sex parents – something very close to home for her. However, her defense of and collaboration in protecting Tahir’s business is what is in question. She obviously knew about the arrangement. Her friend and mentor, Marty West was and is intimately involved in Tahir’s company. She took campaign contributions from Tahir, Tahir’s family and Tahir’s business. In this, she lost sight of the broader picture of caring for and educating all children and one has to wonder why she felt that this was the ethical way to go.
For Pete’s Sake:
I don’t think that Keltie’s sexual orientation has anything to do with all of this. During her term, she was rightly concerned about the treatment of gay children and children with same-sex parents – something very close to home for her. However, her defense of and collaboration in protecting Tahir’s business is what is in question. She obviously knew about the arrangement. Her friend and mentor, Marty West was and is intimately involved in Tahir’s company. She took campaign contributions from Tahir, Tahir’s family and Tahir’s business. In this, she lost sight of the broader picture of caring for and educating all children and one has to wonder why she felt that this was the ethical way to go.
“The school board made me do it!” said” “I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?”
Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?
“The school board made me do it!” said” “I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?”
Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?
“The school board made me do it!” said” “I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?”
Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?
“The school board made me do it!” said” “I even feel betrayed by David Murphy. He watched ALL of this going on (and so did the school board!) and all he can say is that he is “uncomfortable?” Shouldn’t he have been sued for negligence or something—not paid a ton of money for work he didn’t do?”
Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?
Murphy knew about a lot of this by 2003. Several employees also tried to go to Jeff Hudson, Jeff did not take an interest.
Murphy knew about a lot of this by 2003. Several employees also tried to go to Jeff Hudson, Jeff did not take an interest.
Murphy knew about a lot of this by 2003. Several employees also tried to go to Jeff Hudson, Jeff did not take an interest.
Murphy knew about a lot of this by 2003. Several employees also tried to go to Jeff Hudson, Jeff did not take an interest.
“Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?”
Amen! It is time to open the whole can of worms. Let’s get a look at all involved, starting with Murphy. Maybe we can recoup the $240,000 we are paying him to do nothing, along with Tahir Ahad’s salary for all the years Ahad was working for TSS, and not the DJUSD as he was being paid to do.
“Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?”
Amen! It is time to open the whole can of worms. Let’s get a look at all involved, starting with Murphy. Maybe we can recoup the $240,000 we are paying him to do nothing, along with Tahir Ahad’s salary for all the years Ahad was working for TSS, and not the DJUSD as he was being paid to do.
“Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?”
Amen! It is time to open the whole can of worms. Let’s get a look at all involved, starting with Murphy. Maybe we can recoup the $240,000 we are paying him to do nothing, along with Tahir Ahad’s salary for all the years Ahad was working for TSS, and not the DJUSD as he was being paid to do.
“Considering that the district is still paying Mr. Murphy, it seems reasonable that he should be brought back in for questioning, to see what he knew and did not know. And to the extent he was ignorant of what Mr. Ahad was doing — potentially favoring his dual employees — the question becomes, why didn’t Murphy pay attention to this? What did he say to the board about what was going on?”
Amen! It is time to open the whole can of worms. Let’s get a look at all involved, starting with Murphy. Maybe we can recoup the $240,000 we are paying him to do nothing, along with Tahir Ahad’s salary for all the years Ahad was working for TSS, and not the DJUSD as he was being paid to do.
it just makes me sick.
Put me in charge and I’d FIRE many of these “fine” folks and make them take seconds on their homes to get their jobs back!
Marty(Martha..) West is a disgrace. I wish she’d just go away and never be heard from again.
And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ. To say the complaint was complex and confusing would be an understatement. If any of you EVER vote for another parcel tax increase, for the schools, you need a procedure to move your heart from your head!! THINK folks, think!
it just makes me sick.
Put me in charge and I’d FIRE many of these “fine” folks and make them take seconds on their homes to get their jobs back!
Marty(Martha..) West is a disgrace. I wish she’d just go away and never be heard from again.
And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ. To say the complaint was complex and confusing would be an understatement. If any of you EVER vote for another parcel tax increase, for the schools, you need a procedure to move your heart from your head!! THINK folks, think!
it just makes me sick.
Put me in charge and I’d FIRE many of these “fine” folks and make them take seconds on their homes to get their jobs back!
Marty(Martha..) West is a disgrace. I wish she’d just go away and never be heard from again.
And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ. To say the complaint was complex and confusing would be an understatement. If any of you EVER vote for another parcel tax increase, for the schools, you need a procedure to move your heart from your head!! THINK folks, think!
it just makes me sick.
Put me in charge and I’d FIRE many of these “fine” folks and make them take seconds on their homes to get their jobs back!
Marty(Martha..) West is a disgrace. I wish she’d just go away and never be heard from again.
And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ. To say the complaint was complex and confusing would be an understatement. If any of you EVER vote for another parcel tax increase, for the schools, you need a procedure to move your heart from your head!! THINK folks, think!
Marty West is, not surprisingly, a local Clintonista. The blurring of lines between public and private activity and the willingness to let public employees exploit their privileged access to government resources for private benefit, facilitated by a dismissive attitude for the values enshrined within the ethical standards and conflict of interest rules associated with public service, are signature features of the Clinton ethos that emerged in the 1990s and persists to this day. Crony capitalism, it seems, exists not only at the national and transnational level, but even within the small town contours of Yolo County.
–Richard Estes
Marty West is, not surprisingly, a local Clintonista. The blurring of lines between public and private activity and the willingness to let public employees exploit their privileged access to government resources for private benefit, facilitated by a dismissive attitude for the values enshrined within the ethical standards and conflict of interest rules associated with public service, are signature features of the Clinton ethos that emerged in the 1990s and persists to this day. Crony capitalism, it seems, exists not only at the national and transnational level, but even within the small town contours of Yolo County.
–Richard Estes
Marty West is, not surprisingly, a local Clintonista. The blurring of lines between public and private activity and the willingness to let public employees exploit their privileged access to government resources for private benefit, facilitated by a dismissive attitude for the values enshrined within the ethical standards and conflict of interest rules associated with public service, are signature features of the Clinton ethos that emerged in the 1990s and persists to this day. Crony capitalism, it seems, exists not only at the national and transnational level, but even within the small town contours of Yolo County.
–Richard Estes
Marty West is, not surprisingly, a local Clintonista. The blurring of lines between public and private activity and the willingness to let public employees exploit their privileged access to government resources for private benefit, facilitated by a dismissive attitude for the values enshrined within the ethical standards and conflict of interest rules associated with public service, are signature features of the Clinton ethos that emerged in the 1990s and persists to this day. Crony capitalism, it seems, exists not only at the national and transnational level, but even within the small town contours of Yolo County.
–Richard Estes
“And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ.”
What did the GJ decide? or can that be disclosed?
“And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ.”
What did the GJ decide? or can that be disclosed?
“And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ.”
What did the GJ decide? or can that be disclosed?
“And, YES the ’06-’07 Grand Jury did receive a complaint about this subject. I know this because I WAS on that GJ.”
What did the GJ decide? or can that be disclosed?
“It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?“
I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs. For as long as I can remember, the Enterprise has usually behaved more like a PR firm working for the Chamber of Commerce, UCD, and Yolo “Developer Democrat” politicians than as a serious journalistic institution.
The paper has, on rare occasion, reluctantly strayed from this role. For instance, Enterprise eventually revealed some of the dark truth in their coverage of UCD’s proposal to build a level 4 biodefense research facility, and, to a lesser degree, the Measure X campaign. Even in these cases, however, it was not the Enterprise staff who did the digging, but rather Davis citizens who continued to unearth the dirt and pass it along to the Enterprise until the editors could no longer stand the stench, and finally published stories revaling at least a few of the stains on “the dark underbelly.”
If blogs such as this accomplish nothing else, I hope they will influence the Empty Prize to begin real investigative journalism as a regular practice. Of course, this would require occasionally biting the hands that feed them.
Unfortunately, the current crop of reporters continue in the cheerleader mold of most of their predecessors. (Julie Helmus as a reporter? ohmygawd! heeheehee. Let’s go buy some shoes!)
“It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?“
I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs. For as long as I can remember, the Enterprise has usually behaved more like a PR firm working for the Chamber of Commerce, UCD, and Yolo “Developer Democrat” politicians than as a serious journalistic institution.
The paper has, on rare occasion, reluctantly strayed from this role. For instance, Enterprise eventually revealed some of the dark truth in their coverage of UCD’s proposal to build a level 4 biodefense research facility, and, to a lesser degree, the Measure X campaign. Even in these cases, however, it was not the Enterprise staff who did the digging, but rather Davis citizens who continued to unearth the dirt and pass it along to the Enterprise until the editors could no longer stand the stench, and finally published stories revaling at least a few of the stains on “the dark underbelly.”
If blogs such as this accomplish nothing else, I hope they will influence the Empty Prize to begin real investigative journalism as a regular practice. Of course, this would require occasionally biting the hands that feed them.
Unfortunately, the current crop of reporters continue in the cheerleader mold of most of their predecessors. (Julie Helmus as a reporter? ohmygawd! heeheehee. Let’s go buy some shoes!)
“It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?“
I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs. For as long as I can remember, the Enterprise has usually behaved more like a PR firm working for the Chamber of Commerce, UCD, and Yolo “Developer Democrat” politicians than as a serious journalistic institution.
The paper has, on rare occasion, reluctantly strayed from this role. For instance, Enterprise eventually revealed some of the dark truth in their coverage of UCD’s proposal to build a level 4 biodefense research facility, and, to a lesser degree, the Measure X campaign. Even in these cases, however, it was not the Enterprise staff who did the digging, but rather Davis citizens who continued to unearth the dirt and pass it along to the Enterprise until the editors could no longer stand the stench, and finally published stories revaling at least a few of the stains on “the dark underbelly.”
If blogs such as this accomplish nothing else, I hope they will influence the Empty Prize to begin real investigative journalism as a regular practice. Of course, this would require occasionally biting the hands that feed them.
Unfortunately, the current crop of reporters continue in the cheerleader mold of most of their predecessors. (Julie Helmus as a reporter? ohmygawd! heeheehee. Let’s go buy some shoes!)
“It all seems so blatant—why didn’t the reporter at the Enterprise question what was going on? Seems he was too pleased with being able to sit at the table with school administrators during school board meetings to question anything they do. Otherwise, why wouldn’t any of this have been covered?“
I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs. For as long as I can remember, the Enterprise has usually behaved more like a PR firm working for the Chamber of Commerce, UCD, and Yolo “Developer Democrat” politicians than as a serious journalistic institution.
The paper has, on rare occasion, reluctantly strayed from this role. For instance, Enterprise eventually revealed some of the dark truth in their coverage of UCD’s proposal to build a level 4 biodefense research facility, and, to a lesser degree, the Measure X campaign. Even in these cases, however, it was not the Enterprise staff who did the digging, but rather Davis citizens who continued to unearth the dirt and pass it along to the Enterprise until the editors could no longer stand the stench, and finally published stories revaling at least a few of the stains on “the dark underbelly.”
If blogs such as this accomplish nothing else, I hope they will influence the Empty Prize to begin real investigative journalism as a regular practice. Of course, this would require occasionally biting the hands that feed them.
Unfortunately, the current crop of reporters continue in the cheerleader mold of most of their predecessors. (Julie Helmus as a reporter? ohmygawd! heeheehee. Let’s go buy some shoes!)
Very good reporting, DPD
I’m looking forward to your next articles on the ramifications of the arrangement to the district and what has been done to keep this from happening again. Can you possibly publish these sooner than the next two Sundays?
I’m sure that the ramifications go beyond merely financial.
I’m sure you will tell us once the DA’s office finishes their investigation. I look forward to hearing about that result.
Very good reporting, DPD
I’m looking forward to your next articles on the ramifications of the arrangement to the district and what has been done to keep this from happening again. Can you possibly publish these sooner than the next two Sundays?
I’m sure that the ramifications go beyond merely financial.
I’m sure you will tell us once the DA’s office finishes their investigation. I look forward to hearing about that result.
Very good reporting, DPD
I’m looking forward to your next articles on the ramifications of the arrangement to the district and what has been done to keep this from happening again. Can you possibly publish these sooner than the next two Sundays?
I’m sure that the ramifications go beyond merely financial.
I’m sure you will tell us once the DA’s office finishes their investigation. I look forward to hearing about that result.
Very good reporting, DPD
I’m looking forward to your next articles on the ramifications of the arrangement to the district and what has been done to keep this from happening again. Can you possibly publish these sooner than the next two Sundays?
I’m sure that the ramifications go beyond merely financial.
I’m sure you will tell us once the DA’s office finishes their investigation. I look forward to hearing about that result.
There is no chance. It takes me a few days to write and then I send it for proofreading.
There is no chance. It takes me a few days to write and then I send it for proofreading.
There is no chance. It takes me a few days to write and then I send it for proofreading.
There is no chance. It takes me a few days to write and then I send it for proofreading.
Just the facts, ma’am…
D. Murphy has been off the payroll for some time now. Get over it. He was happy to fulfill his original contract at $190,000/yr. Unfortunately the board, led by J. Provenza, couldn’t stand him, and felt it was worth the extra expense to buy him out, hire an interim, and then hire Hammond. It is Mr. Hammond who is pulling down $240,000/yr. to advise a board who won’t listen to him.
If the grand jury can’t understand the charges, shouldn’t that be dealt with at the time? It’s hard to believe the case wasn’t pursued because “the grand jury couldn’t understand the charges.”
Does anyone remember the climate of the district when Ahad and Murphy were hired? The board fired Eva Long and bought her out of her contract, the teachers were “working to contract” and about to strike because the board couldn’t negotiate with them, the board couldn’t negotiate with the teachers because they couldn’t read the books and didn’t know if and where the money was, and the superintendent of finances couldn’t explain the books to the board or put a coherent sentence together. That was why Ahad’s services were worth so much at the time. He tore the books apart and reorganized them so they were easily understood, found all the money, the teachers contract was settled amicably, and the district was solvent for the next nine years. The budget cuts were kept out of the classroom, a ten eyar building plan was finished in six, and no teachers were laid off.
Ahad was found innocent of all sexual harassment charges, the plaintif was assigned all court costs. (Public record.)
The “pitfalls of privatization?” This past year this board spent $3.5 million on consultants and attorneys alone.
Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog?
Theft?
Embezzlement?
Financial malfeasance?
Or just…moonlighting?
So much sensationalism when there’s so much real work to be done.
Just the facts, ma’am…
D. Murphy has been off the payroll for some time now. Get over it. He was happy to fulfill his original contract at $190,000/yr. Unfortunately the board, led by J. Provenza, couldn’t stand him, and felt it was worth the extra expense to buy him out, hire an interim, and then hire Hammond. It is Mr. Hammond who is pulling down $240,000/yr. to advise a board who won’t listen to him.
If the grand jury can’t understand the charges, shouldn’t that be dealt with at the time? It’s hard to believe the case wasn’t pursued because “the grand jury couldn’t understand the charges.”
Does anyone remember the climate of the district when Ahad and Murphy were hired? The board fired Eva Long and bought her out of her contract, the teachers were “working to contract” and about to strike because the board couldn’t negotiate with them, the board couldn’t negotiate with the teachers because they couldn’t read the books and didn’t know if and where the money was, and the superintendent of finances couldn’t explain the books to the board or put a coherent sentence together. That was why Ahad’s services were worth so much at the time. He tore the books apart and reorganized them so they were easily understood, found all the money, the teachers contract was settled amicably, and the district was solvent for the next nine years. The budget cuts were kept out of the classroom, a ten eyar building plan was finished in six, and no teachers were laid off.
Ahad was found innocent of all sexual harassment charges, the plaintif was assigned all court costs. (Public record.)
The “pitfalls of privatization?” This past year this board spent $3.5 million on consultants and attorneys alone.
Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog?
Theft?
Embezzlement?
Financial malfeasance?
Or just…moonlighting?
So much sensationalism when there’s so much real work to be done.
Just the facts, ma’am…
D. Murphy has been off the payroll for some time now. Get over it. He was happy to fulfill his original contract at $190,000/yr. Unfortunately the board, led by J. Provenza, couldn’t stand him, and felt it was worth the extra expense to buy him out, hire an interim, and then hire Hammond. It is Mr. Hammond who is pulling down $240,000/yr. to advise a board who won’t listen to him.
If the grand jury can’t understand the charges, shouldn’t that be dealt with at the time? It’s hard to believe the case wasn’t pursued because “the grand jury couldn’t understand the charges.”
Does anyone remember the climate of the district when Ahad and Murphy were hired? The board fired Eva Long and bought her out of her contract, the teachers were “working to contract” and about to strike because the board couldn’t negotiate with them, the board couldn’t negotiate with the teachers because they couldn’t read the books and didn’t know if and where the money was, and the superintendent of finances couldn’t explain the books to the board or put a coherent sentence together. That was why Ahad’s services were worth so much at the time. He tore the books apart and reorganized them so they were easily understood, found all the money, the teachers contract was settled amicably, and the district was solvent for the next nine years. The budget cuts were kept out of the classroom, a ten eyar building plan was finished in six, and no teachers were laid off.
Ahad was found innocent of all sexual harassment charges, the plaintif was assigned all court costs. (Public record.)
The “pitfalls of privatization?” This past year this board spent $3.5 million on consultants and attorneys alone.
Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog?
Theft?
Embezzlement?
Financial malfeasance?
Or just…moonlighting?
So much sensationalism when there’s so much real work to be done.
Just the facts, ma’am…
D. Murphy has been off the payroll for some time now. Get over it. He was happy to fulfill his original contract at $190,000/yr. Unfortunately the board, led by J. Provenza, couldn’t stand him, and felt it was worth the extra expense to buy him out, hire an interim, and then hire Hammond. It is Mr. Hammond who is pulling down $240,000/yr. to advise a board who won’t listen to him.
If the grand jury can’t understand the charges, shouldn’t that be dealt with at the time? It’s hard to believe the case wasn’t pursued because “the grand jury couldn’t understand the charges.”
Does anyone remember the climate of the district when Ahad and Murphy were hired? The board fired Eva Long and bought her out of her contract, the teachers were “working to contract” and about to strike because the board couldn’t negotiate with them, the board couldn’t negotiate with the teachers because they couldn’t read the books and didn’t know if and where the money was, and the superintendent of finances couldn’t explain the books to the board or put a coherent sentence together. That was why Ahad’s services were worth so much at the time. He tore the books apart and reorganized them so they were easily understood, found all the money, the teachers contract was settled amicably, and the district was solvent for the next nine years. The budget cuts were kept out of the classroom, a ten eyar building plan was finished in six, and no teachers were laid off.
Ahad was found innocent of all sexual harassment charges, the plaintif was assigned all court costs. (Public record.)
The “pitfalls of privatization?” This past year this board spent $3.5 million on consultants and attorneys alone.
Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog?
Theft?
Embezzlement?
Financial malfeasance?
Or just…moonlighting?
So much sensationalism when there’s so much real work to be done.
“Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog? “
For starters, perjury.
Conflict of interest.
Violation of Government Code 1126.
Violations of labor laws.
Preferential treatment to certain employees.
Discrimination against other employees.
Using his public position for private gain (another conflict of interest)
Misrepresentation
Fraud
That’s for starters
“Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog? “
For starters, perjury.
Conflict of interest.
Violation of Government Code 1126.
Violations of labor laws.
Preferential treatment to certain employees.
Discrimination against other employees.
Using his public position for private gain (another conflict of interest)
Misrepresentation
Fraud
That’s for starters
“Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog? “
For starters, perjury.
Conflict of interest.
Violation of Government Code 1126.
Violations of labor laws.
Preferential treatment to certain employees.
Discrimination against other employees.
Using his public position for private gain (another conflict of interest)
Misrepresentation
Fraud
That’s for starters
“Specifically, what is Ahad charged with by this blog? “
For starters, perjury.
Conflict of interest.
Violation of Government Code 1126.
Violations of labor laws.
Preferential treatment to certain employees.
Discrimination against other employees.
Using his public position for private gain (another conflict of interest)
Misrepresentation
Fraud
That’s for starters
Thank you David. I know that I have no vested personal interest in this story as a UC Davis student who is neither paying personal taxes to the City of Davis nor attended a DJUSD school. But, I think it’s important for all the residents of the City of Davis (including students living in the city) to know the positions of people like Don Saylor and Ruth Asmundson, people whos decisions have a direct impact on everybody living in the city.
Thank you David. I know that I have no vested personal interest in this story as a UC Davis student who is neither paying personal taxes to the City of Davis nor attended a DJUSD school. But, I think it’s important for all the residents of the City of Davis (including students living in the city) to know the positions of people like Don Saylor and Ruth Asmundson, people whos decisions have a direct impact on everybody living in the city.
Thank you David. I know that I have no vested personal interest in this story as a UC Davis student who is neither paying personal taxes to the City of Davis nor attended a DJUSD school. But, I think it’s important for all the residents of the City of Davis (including students living in the city) to know the positions of people like Don Saylor and Ruth Asmundson, people whos decisions have a direct impact on everybody living in the city.
Thank you David. I know that I have no vested personal interest in this story as a UC Davis student who is neither paying personal taxes to the City of Davis nor attended a DJUSD school. But, I think it’s important for all the residents of the City of Davis (including students living in the city) to know the positions of people like Don Saylor and Ruth Asmundson, people whos decisions have a direct impact on everybody living in the city.
One of the anonymous commenters asked why it was necessary to bring up the sexual harassment charges if Ahad was cleared of them.
The reason why it is relevant is that the charges were still pending until well after all this shady business got under way. What was the district doing hiring someone who was in court for sexual harassment charges? There’s no way they didn’t know; any background check would have brought that up.
To David, excellent work on this. It’s a little beefy and it took me a few days to sit down and read it, but it’s the good stuff. I suggest you take one of the other commenters’ advice and put up a PayPal “Donate to the Vanguard” link, or find some other way of getting revenue for the site (maybe premium memberships or something?)… obviously people value this enough to want to give money to it…
One of the anonymous commenters asked why it was necessary to bring up the sexual harassment charges if Ahad was cleared of them.
The reason why it is relevant is that the charges were still pending until well after all this shady business got under way. What was the district doing hiring someone who was in court for sexual harassment charges? There’s no way they didn’t know; any background check would have brought that up.
To David, excellent work on this. It’s a little beefy and it took me a few days to sit down and read it, but it’s the good stuff. I suggest you take one of the other commenters’ advice and put up a PayPal “Donate to the Vanguard” link, or find some other way of getting revenue for the site (maybe premium memberships or something?)… obviously people value this enough to want to give money to it…
One of the anonymous commenters asked why it was necessary to bring up the sexual harassment charges if Ahad was cleared of them.
The reason why it is relevant is that the charges were still pending until well after all this shady business got under way. What was the district doing hiring someone who was in court for sexual harassment charges? There’s no way they didn’t know; any background check would have brought that up.
To David, excellent work on this. It’s a little beefy and it took me a few days to sit down and read it, but it’s the good stuff. I suggest you take one of the other commenters’ advice and put up a PayPal “Donate to the Vanguard” link, or find some other way of getting revenue for the site (maybe premium memberships or something?)… obviously people value this enough to want to give money to it…
One of the anonymous commenters asked why it was necessary to bring up the sexual harassment charges if Ahad was cleared of them.
The reason why it is relevant is that the charges were still pending until well after all this shady business got under way. What was the district doing hiring someone who was in court for sexual harassment charges? There’s no way they didn’t know; any background check would have brought that up.
To David, excellent work on this. It’s a little beefy and it took me a few days to sit down and read it, but it’s the good stuff. I suggest you take one of the other commenters’ advice and put up a PayPal “Donate to the Vanguard” link, or find some other way of getting revenue for the site (maybe premium memberships or something?)… obviously people value this enough to want to give money to it…
I have a PayPal account and am ready to contribute to keep this going if need be. To me, a fair amount would be 3 to 5 bucks/month. Maybe run a poll or something to see what people are comfortable paying?? I just want to keep it going and I’m willing to pay and David should make something from all his effort.
I have a PayPal account and am ready to contribute to keep this going if need be. To me, a fair amount would be 3 to 5 bucks/month. Maybe run a poll or something to see what people are comfortable paying?? I just want to keep it going and I’m willing to pay and David should make something from all his effort.
I have a PayPal account and am ready to contribute to keep this going if need be. To me, a fair amount would be 3 to 5 bucks/month. Maybe run a poll or something to see what people are comfortable paying?? I just want to keep it going and I’m willing to pay and David should make something from all his effort.
I have a PayPal account and am ready to contribute to keep this going if need be. To me, a fair amount would be 3 to 5 bucks/month. Maybe run a poll or something to see what people are comfortable paying?? I just want to keep it going and I’m willing to pay and David should make something from all his effort.
I don’t think setting up a “premium membership” or monthly subscription would be well-advised. DPD himself and others have pointed out the foolishness of the Enterprise for putting their content behind a paid subscription wall.
While the Vanguard has quite a few daily readers, I suspect there are many like me who read only occasionally (such as when DPD sent around an email about this story). So, while DPD would get some revenue from the subscriptions, readership would decrease (thereby decreasing the value of the advertisement spots).
Perhaps even more importantly, DPD’s primary purpose in creating the Vanguard in the first place was to raise awareness of some of the “dark” stuff that goes on in and around Davis that the Enterprise won’t report. DPD has rejected the Enterprise model – both in terms of depth of reporting and revenue source. For that, my hat is off to him.
DPD – have you looked into running Google Ads? It is easy to to, and they are not terribly annoying to readers.
I don’t think setting up a “premium membership” or monthly subscription would be well-advised. DPD himself and others have pointed out the foolishness of the Enterprise for putting their content behind a paid subscription wall.
While the Vanguard has quite a few daily readers, I suspect there are many like me who read only occasionally (such as when DPD sent around an email about this story). So, while DPD would get some revenue from the subscriptions, readership would decrease (thereby decreasing the value of the advertisement spots).
Perhaps even more importantly, DPD’s primary purpose in creating the Vanguard in the first place was to raise awareness of some of the “dark” stuff that goes on in and around Davis that the Enterprise won’t report. DPD has rejected the Enterprise model – both in terms of depth of reporting and revenue source. For that, my hat is off to him.
DPD – have you looked into running Google Ads? It is easy to to, and they are not terribly annoying to readers.
I don’t think setting up a “premium membership” or monthly subscription would be well-advised. DPD himself and others have pointed out the foolishness of the Enterprise for putting their content behind a paid subscription wall.
While the Vanguard has quite a few daily readers, I suspect there are many like me who read only occasionally (such as when DPD sent around an email about this story). So, while DPD would get some revenue from the subscriptions, readership would decrease (thereby decreasing the value of the advertisement spots).
Perhaps even more importantly, DPD’s primary purpose in creating the Vanguard in the first place was to raise awareness of some of the “dark” stuff that goes on in and around Davis that the Enterprise won’t report. DPD has rejected the Enterprise model – both in terms of depth of reporting and revenue source. For that, my hat is off to him.
DPD – have you looked into running Google Ads? It is easy to to, and they are not terribly annoying to readers.
I don’t think setting up a “premium membership” or monthly subscription would be well-advised. DPD himself and others have pointed out the foolishness of the Enterprise for putting their content behind a paid subscription wall.
While the Vanguard has quite a few daily readers, I suspect there are many like me who read only occasionally (such as when DPD sent around an email about this story). So, while DPD would get some revenue from the subscriptions, readership would decrease (thereby decreasing the value of the advertisement spots).
Perhaps even more importantly, DPD’s primary purpose in creating the Vanguard in the first place was to raise awareness of some of the “dark” stuff that goes on in and around Davis that the Enterprise won’t report. DPD has rejected the Enterprise model – both in terms of depth of reporting and revenue source. For that, my hat is off to him.
DPD – have you looked into running Google Ads? It is easy to to, and they are not terribly annoying to readers.
DPD,
Excellent reporting! I don’t care whether you didn’t want to be a journalist or not, this piece puts most articles to shame for being well written and researched.
I won’t comment further until parts 2 and 3 are out.
DPD,
Excellent reporting! I don’t care whether you didn’t want to be a journalist or not, this piece puts most articles to shame for being well written and researched.
I won’t comment further until parts 2 and 3 are out.
DPD,
Excellent reporting! I don’t care whether you didn’t want to be a journalist or not, this piece puts most articles to shame for being well written and researched.
I won’t comment further until parts 2 and 3 are out.
DPD,
Excellent reporting! I don’t care whether you didn’t want to be a journalist or not, this piece puts most articles to shame for being well written and researched.
I won’t comment further until parts 2 and 3 are out.
I googled the sexual harrassment case. Tahir Ahad filed a cross-complaint against the accusers for interference with the economic relationship between him and a school district. There is not much data, but it seems that Tahir lost an opportunity to do consulting work due to the sexual harassment allegations. The judge dismissed these charges as unfounded.
I googled the sexual harrassment case. Tahir Ahad filed a cross-complaint against the accusers for interference with the economic relationship between him and a school district. There is not much data, but it seems that Tahir lost an opportunity to do consulting work due to the sexual harassment allegations. The judge dismissed these charges as unfounded.
I googled the sexual harrassment case. Tahir Ahad filed a cross-complaint against the accusers for interference with the economic relationship between him and a school district. There is not much data, but it seems that Tahir lost an opportunity to do consulting work due to the sexual harassment allegations. The judge dismissed these charges as unfounded.
I googled the sexual harrassment case. Tahir Ahad filed a cross-complaint against the accusers for interference with the economic relationship between him and a school district. There is not much data, but it seems that Tahir lost an opportunity to do consulting work due to the sexual harassment allegations. The judge dismissed these charges as unfounded.
I’m not saying make it a subscription-only service. I make clear on my blog that that’s a really bad idea. I’m just throwing some ideas out there, just things to think about. There are tons of different variations and ways to go about making a little money off of stuff like this. It looks like PayPal would be the best option. Anyway, just sayin’… it looks like people are interested in contributing to help keep this running.
I’m not saying make it a subscription-only service. I make clear on my blog that that’s a really bad idea. I’m just throwing some ideas out there, just things to think about. There are tons of different variations and ways to go about making a little money off of stuff like this. It looks like PayPal would be the best option. Anyway, just sayin’… it looks like people are interested in contributing to help keep this running.
I’m not saying make it a subscription-only service. I make clear on my blog that that’s a really bad idea. I’m just throwing some ideas out there, just things to think about. There are tons of different variations and ways to go about making a little money off of stuff like this. It looks like PayPal would be the best option. Anyway, just sayin’… it looks like people are interested in contributing to help keep this running.
I’m not saying make it a subscription-only service. I make clear on my blog that that’s a really bad idea. I’m just throwing some ideas out there, just things to think about. There are tons of different variations and ways to go about making a little money off of stuff like this. It looks like PayPal would be the best option. Anyway, just sayin’… it looks like people are interested in contributing to help keep this running.
Dr. Howard Cohen used to be a Davis administrator. When he became the Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District in 2006, he immediately brought in Total School Solutions as a consultant. Two years later, TSS has cost the district over $187,000 and Dr. Cohen has hired several of his friends with TSS as district employees and/or consultants. The story in Davis is the same as the story in Waterford, CA. Please investigate.
Dr. Cohen even recruited school board candidates to run against TSS skeptics. Now, he is behind reputed efforts to recall a school board member who insisted on terminating the contract with TSS.
Dr. Howard Cohen used to be a Davis administrator. When he became the Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District in 2006, he immediately brought in Total School Solutions as a consultant. Two years later, TSS has cost the district over $187,000 and Dr. Cohen has hired several of his friends with TSS as district employees and/or consultants. The story in Davis is the same as the story in Waterford, CA. Please investigate.
Dr. Cohen even recruited school board candidates to run against TSS skeptics. Now, he is behind reputed efforts to recall a school board member who insisted on terminating the contract with TSS.
Dr. Howard Cohen used to be a Davis administrator. When he became the Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District in 2006, he immediately brought in Total School Solutions as a consultant. Two years later, TSS has cost the district over $187,000 and Dr. Cohen has hired several of his friends with TSS as district employees and/or consultants. The story in Davis is the same as the story in Waterford, CA. Please investigate.
Dr. Cohen even recruited school board candidates to run against TSS skeptics. Now, he is behind reputed efforts to recall a school board member who insisted on terminating the contract with TSS.
Dr. Howard Cohen used to be a Davis administrator. When he became the Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District in 2006, he immediately brought in Total School Solutions as a consultant. Two years later, TSS has cost the district over $187,000 and Dr. Cohen has hired several of his friends with TSS as district employees and/or consultants. The story in Davis is the same as the story in Waterford, CA. Please investigate.
Dr. Cohen even recruited school board candidates to run against TSS skeptics. Now, he is behind reputed efforts to recall a school board member who insisted on terminating the contract with TSS.
Dr. Howard Cohen and his Total School Solutions buddies used a routine update of the Waterford Unified School District’s general plan as a chance to completely rewrite the plan. Two years (and over a hundred thousand dollars) later, they still haven’t finished this plan.
Dr. Howard Cohen and his Total School Solutions buddies used a routine update of the Waterford Unified School District’s general plan as a chance to completely rewrite the plan. Two years (and over a hundred thousand dollars) later, they still haven’t finished this plan.
Dr. Howard Cohen and his Total School Solutions buddies used a routine update of the Waterford Unified School District’s general plan as a chance to completely rewrite the plan. Two years (and over a hundred thousand dollars) later, they still haven’t finished this plan.
Dr. Howard Cohen and his Total School Solutions buddies used a routine update of the Waterford Unified School District’s general plan as a chance to completely rewrite the plan. Two years (and over a hundred thousand dollars) later, they still haven’t finished this plan.
Also, Dr. Howard Cohen has used his position as Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District to help promote Total School Solutions among other school districts. In fact, Total School Solutions even produced a brochure with a resounding endorsement from Dr. Howard Cohen, in which he identified himself with the Waterford Unified School district. Dr. Cohen should not use his public position to promote a private business with which he is so closely tied.
Also, Dr. Howard Cohen has used his position as Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District to help promote Total School Solutions among other school districts. In fact, Total School Solutions even produced a brochure with a resounding endorsement from Dr. Howard Cohen, in which he identified himself with the Waterford Unified School district. Dr. Cohen should not use his public position to promote a private business with which he is so closely tied.
Also, Dr. Howard Cohen has used his position as Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District to help promote Total School Solutions among other school districts. In fact, Total School Solutions even produced a brochure with a resounding endorsement from Dr. Howard Cohen, in which he identified himself with the Waterford Unified School district. Dr. Cohen should not use his public position to promote a private business with which he is so closely tied.
Also, Dr. Howard Cohen has used his position as Superintendent of the Waterford Unified School District to help promote Total School Solutions among other school districts. In fact, Total School Solutions even produced a brochure with a resounding endorsement from Dr. Howard Cohen, in which he identified himself with the Waterford Unified School district. Dr. Cohen should not use his public position to promote a private business with which he is so closely tied.
Is there anybody from the Davis area who remembers the tenure of Dr. Howard Cohen (before he moved on to West Contra Costa County, thence to the Waterford Unified School District)?
If so, would you be willing to talk to WUSD employees, board members and/or community members?
Would anybody familiar with Total School Solutions be willing to get in touch with Waterford (which is about 2 hours from Davis) or at least willing to phone or email interested parties?
Is there anybody from the Davis area who remembers the tenure of Dr. Howard Cohen (before he moved on to West Contra Costa County, thence to the Waterford Unified School District)?
If so, would you be willing to talk to WUSD employees, board members and/or community members?
Would anybody familiar with Total School Solutions be willing to get in touch with Waterford (which is about 2 hours from Davis) or at least willing to phone or email interested parties?
Is there anybody from the Davis area who remembers the tenure of Dr. Howard Cohen (before he moved on to West Contra Costa County, thence to the Waterford Unified School District)?
If so, would you be willing to talk to WUSD employees, board members and/or community members?
Would anybody familiar with Total School Solutions be willing to get in touch with Waterford (which is about 2 hours from Davis) or at least willing to phone or email interested parties?
Is there anybody from the Davis area who remembers the tenure of Dr. Howard Cohen (before he moved on to West Contra Costa County, thence to the Waterford Unified School District)?
If so, would you be willing to talk to WUSD employees, board members and/or community members?
Would anybody familiar with Total School Solutions be willing to get in touch with Waterford (which is about 2 hours from Davis) or at least willing to phone or email interested parties?
Tahir Ahad was instrumental in convincing the Waterford Unified School District (along with Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen) to contract out with Total School Solutions for district services which, prior to the tenure of Dr. Cohen, has generally been handled in-house. This has cost the district considerably, and will leave lasting scars, especially in this era of drastic budget cuts.
Tahir Ahad was instrumental in convincing the Waterford Unified School District (along with Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen) to contract out with Total School Solutions for district services which, prior to the tenure of Dr. Cohen, has generally been handled in-house. This has cost the district considerably, and will leave lasting scars, especially in this era of drastic budget cuts.
Tahir Ahad was instrumental in convincing the Waterford Unified School District (along with Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen) to contract out with Total School Solutions for district services which, prior to the tenure of Dr. Cohen, has generally been handled in-house. This has cost the district considerably, and will leave lasting scars, especially in this era of drastic budget cuts.
Tahir Ahad was instrumental in convincing the Waterford Unified School District (along with Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen) to contract out with Total School Solutions for district services which, prior to the tenure of Dr. Cohen, has generally been handled in-house. This has cost the district considerably, and will leave lasting scars, especially in this era of drastic budget cuts.
Since the arrival of Waterford Unified Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen, in addition to hiring Total School Solutions as a consultant, district principal Jose Aldaco has been hired as a consultant for another district at the SAME time that Dr. Cohen hired another consultant to “coach” principal Jose Aldaco for nearly $30,000 a year (over the course of two years).
Such cross-consulting defies more than the spirit of conflict of interest codes.. it defies common sense! How can someone be paid as an “expert” at the same time outside “experts” are being brought in to train him?
Such illogic is daily bread for a district in as close collusion with Total School Solutions as Waterford is.
Since the arrival of Waterford Unified Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen, in addition to hiring Total School Solutions as a consultant, district principal Jose Aldaco has been hired as a consultant for another district at the SAME time that Dr. Cohen hired another consultant to “coach” principal Jose Aldaco for nearly $30,000 a year (over the course of two years).
Such cross-consulting defies more than the spirit of conflict of interest codes.. it defies common sense! How can someone be paid as an “expert” at the same time outside “experts” are being brought in to train him?
Such illogic is daily bread for a district in as close collusion with Total School Solutions as Waterford is.
Since the arrival of Waterford Unified Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen, in addition to hiring Total School Solutions as a consultant, district principal Jose Aldaco has been hired as a consultant for another district at the SAME time that Dr. Cohen hired another consultant to “coach” principal Jose Aldaco for nearly $30,000 a year (over the course of two years).
Such cross-consulting defies more than the spirit of conflict of interest codes.. it defies common sense! How can someone be paid as an “expert” at the same time outside “experts” are being brought in to train him?
Such illogic is daily bread for a district in as close collusion with Total School Solutions as Waterford is.
Since the arrival of Waterford Unified Superintendent Dr. Howard Cohen, in addition to hiring Total School Solutions as a consultant, district principal Jose Aldaco has been hired as a consultant for another district at the SAME time that Dr. Cohen hired another consultant to “coach” principal Jose Aldaco for nearly $30,000 a year (over the course of two years).
Such cross-consulting defies more than the spirit of conflict of interest codes.. it defies common sense! How can someone be paid as an “expert” at the same time outside “experts” are being brought in to train him?
Such illogic is daily bread for a district in as close collusion with Total School Solutions as Waterford is.
I’m going to look into this tomorrow.
Please feel free to email me
I’m going to look into this tomorrow.
Please feel free to email me
I’m going to look into this tomorrow.
Please feel free to email me
I’m going to look into this tomorrow.
Please feel free to email me
Another hallmark of the Total School Solutions MO is that Dr. Howard Cohen spends copious amounts of his time playing politics instead of running the WUSD.
He became intimately and proactively involved in the November 2007 school board elections, and even recruited candidates to unseat an incumbent who asked too many questions about Dr. Cohen’s pay raise, which went into effect without board authorization or approval.
Another hallmark of the Total School Solutions MO is that Dr. Howard Cohen spends copious amounts of his time playing politics instead of running the WUSD.
He became intimately and proactively involved in the November 2007 school board elections, and even recruited candidates to unseat an incumbent who asked too many questions about Dr. Cohen’s pay raise, which went into effect without board authorization or approval.
Another hallmark of the Total School Solutions MO is that Dr. Howard Cohen spends copious amounts of his time playing politics instead of running the WUSD.
He became intimately and proactively involved in the November 2007 school board elections, and even recruited candidates to unseat an incumbent who asked too many questions about Dr. Cohen’s pay raise, which went into effect without board authorization or approval.
Another hallmark of the Total School Solutions MO is that Dr. Howard Cohen spends copious amounts of his time playing politics instead of running the WUSD.
He became intimately and proactively involved in the November 2007 school board elections, and even recruited candidates to unseat an incumbent who asked too many questions about Dr. Cohen’s pay raise, which went into effect without board authorization or approval.
Are all the recent annonymous postings about Cohen from the same person?
Annonymous – pick a name, any name so we can follow you.
Are all the recent annonymous postings about Cohen from the same person?
Annonymous – pick a name, any name so we can follow you.
Are all the recent annonymous postings about Cohen from the same person?
Annonymous – pick a name, any name so we can follow you.
Are all the recent annonymous postings about Cohen from the same person?
Annonymous – pick a name, any name so we can follow you.
“I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs”
When school climate became a concern for the people of color, Jeff Hudson would only give a brief mention in his articles, if at all. He rarely took the time to talk to those who had complaints against the school district. He just wasn’t interested! It took monumental effort from community leaders to get any serious print in the Enterprise. So though it might be the Enterprise management who set the tone for school district coverage, Jeff Hudson was only too happy to follow along and keep negative press to a minimum.
“I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs”
When school climate became a concern for the people of color, Jeff Hudson would only give a brief mention in his articles, if at all. He rarely took the time to talk to those who had complaints against the school district. He just wasn’t interested! It took monumental effort from community leaders to get any serious print in the Enterprise. So though it might be the Enterprise management who set the tone for school district coverage, Jeff Hudson was only too happy to follow along and keep negative press to a minimum.
“I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs”
When school climate became a concern for the people of color, Jeff Hudson would only give a brief mention in his articles, if at all. He rarely took the time to talk to those who had complaints against the school district. He just wasn’t interested! It took monumental effort from community leaders to get any serious print in the Enterprise. So though it might be the Enterprise management who set the tone for school district coverage, Jeff Hudson was only too happy to follow along and keep negative press to a minimum.
“I’m afraid it goes beyond a reporter’s pleasure at running with the big dogs”
When school climate became a concern for the people of color, Jeff Hudson would only give a brief mention in his articles, if at all. He rarely took the time to talk to those who had complaints against the school district. He just wasn’t interested! It took monumental effort from community leaders to get any serious print in the Enterprise. So though it might be the Enterprise management who set the tone for school district coverage, Jeff Hudson was only too happy to follow along and keep negative press to a minimum.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
Having read the article (very good indeed) and all of the comments (also very good), it strikes me that perhaps school districts ought to hiring superintendents who come from outside the educational establishment. As someone whose father was a public school teacher and whose spouse is one in this very district I have heard all my life about the mishaps, screw-ups, cover-ups, and your basic incompetence that goes on in a public school district. To me it is nothing new (and a pity the fool who chooses to work as a teacher in this environment). What if, however we can get someone in charge of a school district who has actually run an enterprise that was actually accountable to shareholders, business partners, or even to employees themselves? Maybe things would be different. Maybe stupid things would not happen like copiers that repeatedly don’t work because the district did not purchase a maintenance agreement with the vendor. Maybe clocks in classrooms that are suppose to teach 2nd graders how to read time won’t remain broken for up to 2 and a half years. Maybe. Where in the cosmos does it say a district must hire a superintendent from the educational industry, or based on how many academic degrees they have? Oh, and this business about firing a superintendent and then having to pay the fool the rest of their contract. The San Juan district did that back in the ‘70’s numerous times. Has anyone in education ever heard of an “at will employee”. And if any district replies “we can’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to hire anyone”, then what in hells bells does that tell you about the person in question. Nobody in the private sector could get away with that. If districts would just start realizing that there are plenty of individuals in the private sector that could do this job and do it well.
t bone. Dr. Hammond is the right guy. He has overcome lots of problems in his jobs. As a principal and Superintendent. Also he is from washington. He does not have political ties to this area that could affect his decision making.
t bone. Dr. Hammond is the right guy. He has overcome lots of problems in his jobs. As a principal and Superintendent. Also he is from washington. He does not have political ties to this area that could affect his decision making.
t bone. Dr. Hammond is the right guy. He has overcome lots of problems in his jobs. As a principal and Superintendent. Also he is from washington. He does not have political ties to this area that could affect his decision making.
t bone. Dr. Hammond is the right guy. He has overcome lots of problems in his jobs. As a principal and Superintendent. Also he is from washington. He does not have political ties to this area that could affect his decision making.
Whatever happened to good ole summary executions?
Whatever happened to good ole summary executions?
Whatever happened to good ole summary executions?
Whatever happened to good ole summary executions?
I think there should be an investigation regarding the positions of Nancy Walker and Susan Lendway,(two former VCUSD employees). Did anyone ask VCUSD what happened while Mr. Ahad was in position there? This is no false sexual allegation. Mr. Ahad left VCUSD in financial ruins.
I think there should be an investigation regarding the positions of Nancy Walker and Susan Lendway,(two former VCUSD employees). Did anyone ask VCUSD what happened while Mr. Ahad was in position there? This is no false sexual allegation. Mr. Ahad left VCUSD in financial ruins.
I think there should be an investigation regarding the positions of Nancy Walker and Susan Lendway,(two former VCUSD employees). Did anyone ask VCUSD what happened while Mr. Ahad was in position there? This is no false sexual allegation. Mr. Ahad left VCUSD in financial ruins.
I think there should be an investigation regarding the positions of Nancy Walker and Susan Lendway,(two former VCUSD employees). Did anyone ask VCUSD what happened while Mr. Ahad was in position there? This is no false sexual allegation. Mr. Ahad left VCUSD in financial ruins.
You might want to look into the details of the agreement with Dell Computing which became virtually the exclusive hardware provider to DJUSD under this regime.
Numerous computer labs were ripped out and replaced by Dell, but with what benefit? Further, teachers were given Dell laptops, but there was no budget to periodically replace these as they became outdated.
You might want to look into the details of the agreement with Dell Computing which became virtually the exclusive hardware provider to DJUSD under this regime.
Numerous computer labs were ripped out and replaced by Dell, but with what benefit? Further, teachers were given Dell laptops, but there was no budget to periodically replace these as they became outdated.
You might want to look into the details of the agreement with Dell Computing which became virtually the exclusive hardware provider to DJUSD under this regime.
Numerous computer labs were ripped out and replaced by Dell, but with what benefit? Further, teachers were given Dell laptops, but there was no budget to periodically replace these as they became outdated.
You might want to look into the details of the agreement with Dell Computing which became virtually the exclusive hardware provider to DJUSD under this regime.
Numerous computer labs were ripped out and replaced by Dell, but with what benefit? Further, teachers were given Dell laptops, but there was no budget to periodically replace these as they became outdated.