Jan 19 Budget Q & A Schools & Kids, posted by Direct Answers, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jan 27, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I just glanced through the the Jan. 19 Budget Questions and Answers.
Someone asked (question 46) who was on the Revenue Enhancement Committee and got an answer that was not direct. If PUSD was asked who was on the School Board, the response would be the five names of the school board members.
But when asked who is on the Revenue Enhancement Committee, the response was a roundabout explanation of how members were selected, not a direct answer to a direct question.
Is there a reason why PUSD doesn't want to provide names? Could it be that those who were selected to be on the Revenue Enhancement Committee are all individuals known for campaigning for Measure G and have continued to beat the parcel tax drum? If that is the case, how much effort can we expect from the members to investigate other revenue streams?
When PUSD does what it seems to do best - avoid directly answering questions, or providing only the most minimal of answers (e.g. when asked for the cost of sports programs, PUSD stated it pays for the cost of lighting fields, field maintenance and refurbishment of shoulder pads and helmets which begs the question - How much is that? Or again, what is the actual costs PUSD incurs each year for team sports?), PUSD continues to demonstrate that they have a very different idea of what constitutes transparency.
Posted by Gunslinger, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 6:23 am
Do not let yourselves be played by the teachers unions and pro-tax minority like they did to us in Danville. It was only until after that our town got wind of the treachery. Thanks be to God that you Pleasantonites seem a bit more informed about the manipulation. Hold out for the sake of everyone in this beautiful corner of the East Bay. We can take our state back town by town
Posted by Kathleen Ruegsegger, a resident of the Vintage Hills Elementary School neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 6:29 am
DA, There are at least two board members who are willing to dig for answers and provide them--Valerie and Jamie. I thought this was a grass roots citizens group, but if it is a formal district committee with dedicated staff members, membership is public information.
Posted by Kelly, a resident of the Pleasanton Valley neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 10:06 am
The names of the BAC members are on the PUSD website. The meeting dates/times & locations are also on the website. Under business services, then budget information, then budget advisory committee. I was curious too & looked up the info on the website last night.
Posted by parent, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 10:34 am
To Kelly,
The question that was asked in the forum was who was on the Revenue Enhancement Committee? That question was not answered in the forum, nor is that information available on the PUSD website.
Posted by Sandy Piderit, a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 10:53 am
I believe that the revenue enhancement committee is actually a subcommittee of the BAC, so it's membership should be drawn from the list of BAC members. I know that Suzy Chan, the Director of Fiscal Services, is chairing the subcommittee. I left her a voicemail to ask her to clarify who is on the revenue enhancement subcommittee.
I try not to assume the motive when someone doesn't answer a question clearly. I just ask again. Let's wait and see what answer I can get you.
Posted by Sandy Piderit, a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Suzy Chan returned my call. There are seven members of the BAC who are serving on the subcommittee -- Ed Arndt, Suzy Chan, Mary Huk, Trevor Knaggs, Dee Osborne, Joyce Senechal. (My apologies in advance if I misspelled any names.)
She also mentioned that the revenue enhancement committee met this morning at 9 am, and offered to email me the notes from the meeting as soon as they are typed up. If you would also like a copy, please email email me at my last name (Piderit) at mac dot com and I will (with Suzy's permission) pass them along.
Finally, she said the next meeting of the subcommittee is scheduled for 9 am on Thursday, February 18. She said that over 20 parents attended, and invited me to attend if I want.
Posted by Jennifer, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Jan 28, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I was at the subcommittee meeting. I am not a teacher; I am a PARENT. More than 20 PARENTS were at the meeting, participating and offering constructive solutions. This meeting is open to the public. Come next week at 9:00 a.m. and be part of the solution.
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