The San Mateo County Grand Jury Speaks on the San Mateo Uion High School Mess

The San Mateo County Grand Jury has announced that they are placing the blame on the financial mess the San Mateo Union High School District finds itself squarely at the feet of the current Superintendent, Sam Johnson, and our elected Board of Trustees, whose names are below. What the Grand Jury neglects to mention is what should be done to clean this mess up other than oversight and a gentle slap on the wrist.

When this mess first surfaced back in February, I called for the recall of all of these elected trustees. None of them seems to understand the fiduciary duty they have to us the voters, residents, and taxpayers in our high school district. I include the elected board and the soon to retire superintendent in this group.

I find it rather interesting that Johnson has announced his retirement at this time. What did he know that would push this retirement at this time?  And, what a sad end to a forty year career in the district. But, it doesnt stop the questions the Grand Jury has asked and it doesnt help that we now have a huge debt that should not have happened had there been oversight. Over-site? Fiduciary Duty? Humm. Am I missing something here? I dont think so. But these people are. Wheres the outrage? Dump them and lets elect people who care about our childrens education and future. Obviously none of them do. Just in case you dont know who sits on the Board of Trustees, let me tell you. Some of them will term out this year, but the others need to be recalled and we need a fresh start and fresh slate in 2007!

Robert H. Griffin, President, term of office 2005-2009

Linda Lees Dwyer, Vice President, term of office 2005-2009

Diane J. Vranes, Clerk, term of office 2003-2007

Marcia Cohn-Lyle, Trustee, term of office 2003-2007

Peter H. Hanley, Trustee, term of office 2005-2009

Let me quote from the summary just published:

A “basic aid district”, such as the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD or
District), derives most of its revenue from property taxes. That District is in financial
crisis due to financial imprudence, to wit:

• Borrowing $74 million through certificates of participation (COPS) to pay for cost overruns in the 2000 Measure D voter   approved construction bond projects
• Adopting deficit spending budgets in four of the last five years
• Failing to react to rapidly decreasing reserves while continuing optimistic revenue projections despite significant reductions in property tax allocations
• Failing to seek outside financial advice and guidance as deficits continued and reserves dwindled
• Completing employee agreements using inadequate data and unclear analysis offunding
• Communicating poorly with the staff and community regarding fiscal and construction matters

The current fiscal crisis has shaken community confidence in the Board of Trustees and specific staff members, and the community and parents are incensed over the situation.
Many teachers and classified staff were dismissed or reassigned on very short notice to bring the reserve close to the State-mandated 3 percent. In a poll by the San Mateo Union High School District Teachers Association, 96 percent of those voting expressed “no confidence” in the Superintendent and an Associate Superintendent and called for their dismissal.
I urge you to go read the entire report. It has some interesting facts and some direction to the Board of Trustees. But, in my opinion, ts not strong enough. When this kind of mess is condoned, what kind of message does it give to our children?