The Pleasanton school board may once again go into closed session at its meeting tonight to take up the issue surrounding ousted Walnut Grove Principal Jon Vranesh.
The board is set to discuss "public employee discipline/dismissal/release," although the name of the employee is not released because it is a personnel issue.
There's no vote scheduled to come from the discussion, and the matter will likely be continued for another closed meeting before a vote is held. As of last week, according to an anonymous source, no written charges have been filed against Vranesh.
The board is also set to hold its annual reorganization meeting, with the close of current President Jeff Bowser's one-year term. Board Member Jamie Hintzke is the only member of the school board not to have held the post as president.
The school board will also discuss financial issues, including a possible vote on how to spend one-time state money to help implement the new set of learning standards that are being implemented across the country. The district is expected to get about $2.5 million to be spend over two years.
The board is also slated to discuss building maintenance and capital projects, which include the construction of new buildings.
The closed session begins at 5 p.m. and the open session begins at 7. Both will be held in the district board room, 4665 Bernal Ave.
Comments
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 9:53 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 9:53 am
Wow! another meeting about JV and still no plans to make a decision. It's been over 8 weeks and this is unacceptable. JV and Walnut Grove deserve better than this. I'm so looking forward to the day that he is vindicated of any wrong doing. I know this man and he would never, ever, step out of line. He is the most professional, morally sound individual that I have ever met. Not to mention, he's an AMAZING pricipal and is so great for WG. If anyone needs to go - its Parvin!!! oh and Bowser, who clearly does not know the rules surrounding his own job on the school board and would try to "muzzle' parents. Good luck with the election Jeff! There is a TON of parents out there waiting to support your opponent.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:19 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:19 am
It is disappointing that the union and PUSD management would press to oust JV when he only wants what is best for children -- for children to have a great education and for children to go to school and teachers to teach in a safe and clean environment.
I noticed that on October 9, 2013, the PUSD posted a job for "Roving Night Custodian @ Pleasanton Elementary Sites" on EDJOIN here Web Link
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Vranesh was placed on 'administrative leave.' Principals and teachers and children in Pleasanton deserve healthy schools free of dirt, debris and bugs. Parents should not have to hear their children come home from school to discuss bug-infested classrooms.
If the union employees that are custodians do not want to clean the schools like Walnut Grove Elementary, these union employees who are custodians should be replaced by the PUSD management. PUSD should not end up having to end up hiring "Roving Night Custodians @ Pleasanton Elementary Sites" to do the work that custodians are not doing.
It is disappointing that PUSD management would target an outstanding principal who only wants what is best for teachers and children, who places safety of our schools as a #1 priority, and is such an outstanding leader.
Pleasanton Valley
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:31 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:31 am
This is possibly dragging on due to Mr. Vranesh, his attorney and the District negotiating his settlement. It is quite possible, Mr. Vranesh and attorney areen't satisfied with the agreement thus far so this process is moving more slowly than some parents would like.
Pleasanton Valley
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:31 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 10:31 am
This is possibly dragging on due to Mr. Vranesh, his attorney and the District negotiating his settlement. It is quite possible, Mr. Vranesh and attorney aren't satisfied with the agreement thus far so this process is moving more slowly than some parents would like.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:18 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:18 am
I hope Vranesh takes 'em to the cleaners with his attorney and wins a HUGE settlement against corrupt PUSD. What they have done to him and put him through is nothing short of criminal.
Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:19 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:19 am
I checked the agenda on the PUSD website, and closed session item 2.2 (Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release Pursuant to Government Code 54957) has both a "(D)" and a "(V)." So a vote on this item is possible tonight.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:37 am
on Dec 10, 2013 at 11:37 am
jonfan, in addition harassing Pleasanton school administrators (principals) who may be witnesses or informants or may have testified at the grand jury proceedings of Federal crimes conducted on PUSD property is illegal per 18 U.S.C. ยง 1512
Mohr Park
on Dec 10, 2013 at 2:51 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 2:51 pm
What time is the open session tonight? First the article says "closed session at its 7 p.m. meeting" then at the end of the article it says "closed session begins at 5 p.m. and the open session begins at 7". I just want the public to have opportunity to attend the open session at the correct time!
Laguna Oaks
on Dec 10, 2013 at 4:34 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 4:34 pm
PUSD used to be a highly desirable district to work in. This community could attract quality folks to work very hard for our kids. Under the current administration that seems to have been lost. The downward trend in PUSD effects our property values which weakens our community. Something needs to be done before this current superintendent does to much damage.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 6:38 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 6:38 pm
@Here's an idea:
From the story:
As of last week, according to an anonymous source, no written charges have been filed against Vranesh.
Downtown
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:47 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:47 pm
And that fact speaks to how poorly manage the HR and district is run. So sorry Walnut Grove.
Apperson Ridge
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:55 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:55 pm
So was no vote held - AGAIN?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:57 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Why do written charges need to be filed. What if there are no "charges" but instead are just performance issues? Are "charges" always filed in employee dismissal? Just saying
Downtown
on Dec 10, 2013 at 8:58 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 8:58 pm
No but then he would not be put on leave. Performance issues would more likely be settled with a March 15th notice.
And secondly, the union president and Parvin quoting civil rights leaders to try to justify their abuse of power shows just how far removed from reality they really are.
Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Dec 10, 2013 at 9:50 pm
on Dec 10, 2013 at 9:50 pm
So he has been put on leave without reason. Just put him on leave then figure out why!?! How irresponsible. How damaging to our community.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:30 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:30 am
Nobody really knows if there's a justiafiable action pending or not. One issue related to school districts is that it's almost impossible to fire anyone. Even the worst teachers are protected by their union and tenure. The taxpayers will probably never know the outcome of what most likely will end up as a large financial settlement for Mr. Varnesh. Taxpayers need not know the outcome.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:59 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:59 am
Actually, all settlements with a public agency like the school district are public and of course wrongful termination lawsuits and defamation lawsuits are public. Also, so called 'investigation' reports produced by public agency attorney firms are public if the names are redacted.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:22 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:22 am
Well, maybe the Weekly can do a public records request for the investigation report. The names aren't so important as just what the issues are or are not.
The other issue here is the costs associated with this incident. The district must still be paying Vranesh and the interim principal at WG, not to mention the cost for the investigation as well as the district legal fees. Then who knows what the outcome will be related to a potential settlement. I would think that there would be some movement towards getting this resolved sooner then later if for no other reason then financial.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 8:27 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 8:27 am
Does anyone know what happened at the meeting last night? Will there be a story posted?
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 8:31 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 8:31 am
I could be wrong, but I don't believe a principal is with any union. There would probably need to be some documentation leading up to firing that person. I would think a principal would be asked to resign and if that person refused, probably an administrative leave, threats of lawsuits, and a district would have to carefully make sure all documentation was in place before an official termination.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 10:03 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 10:03 am
@ I Support JV -- Is there any action that JV could have taken or word that he could have said to colleagues done (short of those of the Livermore Golf Monster) that would change your mind. Do you not find it interesting that JV has not gone to the press protesting the district actions? He would be in his rights to do so. Perhaps the bed he is in is the one he made. Principals must also accept personal responsibility for their actions.
Birdland
on Dec 11, 2013 at 10:31 am
on Dec 11, 2013 at 10:31 am
After falling all messages about JV, this is the very worse school board, Parvin has to go NOW, and to think that
Bowser thinks he will on the Alameda County, he will after what he has done to his reputation, he will never
win, no one in Pleasanton would vote for him, he is a joke, we all have Freedom of Speech, and he only allowed
for the people who support, he only allowed people to be able to speak for 1 minute, there is a law about
that, and he should be punished for that,
I have lived in Pleasanton all of my life, and this is the worse, keeping all of this as a secret.
Shame to Parvin and Bowser!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 12:42 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 12:42 pm
I too would like to know what is going on. Mr Vranesh has made a public statement that indicates the school board is retaliating for an statement he made to the school board. He said in a voicemail to Pleasanton weekly, "I put the Pleasanton Unified School District on notice months ago regarding situations that negatively affect staff safety, working conditions and a conducive environment for instruction and student learning. Rather than taking effective action to eliminate those conditions, they put me on administrative leave." See article Web Link
Why would the school board put a principle on administrative leave for telling them about situations that affect staff safely, etc? It doesn't make sense and the delay in getting a reason for from the school board makes it look more and more like Mr Vranesh is the victim.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:29 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Clearly JV is less than forthcoming as to the reasons the district has given him for his leave of absence (as should be noted in the comments from the school board.) While I'm not personally a fan of Parvin, or most of the school board, I am certain that their intent was to cover up JV's inappropriate behavior and only pursued the punitive actions under threat of a press leak. While I know many of you are on your way to Costco to get those industrial size foil rolls to begin your hat making activities, not everything is some evil conspiracy. JV would do well to lawyer himself out of the potential career ending circumstances and fade into the backdrop.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:57 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@Brian - According to a previous PW article, Superintendent Ahmadi disagreed with JV's public statement.
"In reply to questions from the Pleasanton Weekly, school Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi responded:
'It is true that Mr. Vranesh has been placed on administrative leave. The reasons for this leave, however, are not those listed by Mr. Vranesh in his statement. We have explained the reasons for this personnel action to both Mr. Vranesh and his attorney. The rules covering employee privacy do not allow us to comment on them publicly at this time.'"
You can read more here:
Web Link
Pleasanton Heights
on Dec 11, 2013 at 2:35 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 2:35 pm
It seems like since the new super took over, district morale has been going straight into the toilet. I don't know if it's the teachers or the administrators, but the board better figure it out quick because the district is becoming a joke.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 3:35 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 3:35 pm
@Public statement
Yes, the school board has of course denied it's retaliation for the safety concerns he brought up. That's not only an invalid reason for firing a principle, but it may even be illegal. But why would a school board fire a principle for bringing up safety concerns? To save the money required to fix the problem? Can't they just issue bonds to get the money to fix the problems?
So, Mr Vranesh statement doesn't make sense and I would like to get clarification on why he thinks this is the reason he was placed on administrative leave. On the other hand, the time it's taking for the school board to close this issue and make a public statement makes it look like the school board has something to hide.
Castlewood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 3:43 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 3:43 pm
[Removed because it contained unsubstantiated claims.]
Castlewood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:16 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:16 pm
In Response to "I": Jon would never act inappropriately at all! Please stop spreading lies about him. I grew up in Pleasanton and have known JV and his family all of my life. He is by far the most professional, rule following individual that I know. It is public knowledge that a teacher filed a "grievance" against him probably because he wanted her to DO HER JOB! Gee, there's a concept! It is well known that the teachers at WG have been allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they want, and however they want for many many years. JV came in and tried to implement rules, regulations, processes, and unfortunately a teacher ran crying to her union and complained. BTW - we don't need unions!! This is not 1920! And after watching that crazy teacher union rep. on TV last night at the school board meeting, I think the union in in trouble. She was supposed to give a Teacher Union update but it turned into a rant about "letting due process take it's course" and quoting Nelson Mandela, etc. Clearly she was speaking to all of JV's supporters indirectly.
Del Prado
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:23 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Thank you "dotneedunions. i totally agree 100%. also what is going to happen now? I heard there might be a special board meeting next week? My son goes to walnut grove and we need this resolved ASAP.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:28 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@ dontneedunions - I am sure that you hold JV in high regard as many do. I do not know him and have no opinion to share about him. But your statement "Jon would never act inappropriately at all!" is beyond absurd. First what is inappropriate is a generally a subjective thing .... Except in professional environments there are norms that someone foiling a principal's position should be aware of. Sometimes lack of intent does not excuse one of crossing the line, as we sell our school and community as one of character why do we not expect the members of said community to step up and own their trespasses.
JV may believe that he is being retaliated against, but he has not said what he is being accused of. Surely the school district did not in black and white say they were disciplining him for instituting a safety program.
So if JV is so innocent why is he not saying specifically what he is accused of? Why is he not outing the alleged missed safety program? Where are his specifics?
@ Billy baroo
As to the comments about [removed]- if you can prove you should pursue farther - that is disgusting.
Last the members of the union (some who agree with its actions and other who do not) are you neighbors, and families with mouths to feed, not some satanic cult. It has become all too T-party to blame every ill on the unions the teachers the president the liberals the Palestinians, the Jews and everyone else. A teacher has an issue, must be the teacher underperforming and using the union to forgo their responsibility (you know those evil teachers who took less salary so your kids could continue to have class sizes below 50) Never in your wildest dreams could an administrator be wrong -- now back to you T-party meeting in the foil aisle at Costco!!
Castlewood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:32 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:32 pm
I,
Do not need to pursue it as already done years ago and public record. The DUI arrest and conviction was in the paper. The girl parents were paid off by the district
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:33 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:33 pm
We all need to stop assigning blame or deciding that there are ulterior motives in this case. We - all of us - have colluded over the years and created a litigious society, especially for workers and managers the public sector. Every week there's a scandal involving an employee or a manager or an elected official that acted inappropriately, or worse, was falsely accused of acing inappropriately. There is big money to be had in lawsuits, and plenty of companies and governmental institutions settle before going to court just to avoid the expense and hassle, wrong or not.
Of course the Pleasanton school board isn't saying anything, and not taking action besides placing Principal Vranesh on leave. This is not a superintendent-is-out-to-get-somebody situation. This is very much a superintendent-is-acting-appropriately situation. We have placed the board into a totally unenviable position. On one hand the board must take the accuser's accusations seriously, because there would he hell to pay if they didn't and something happened subsequently. We would all be on the board's case for failing to take action. On the other hand, the board can't just fire Mr. Vranesh, because that would constitute illegal dismissal, and would open the school district to a lawsuit.
So what's the board to do? Place him on leave, treat it as an internal personnel matter, and say nothing. We collectively have given it no other choice.
It would be tidy if Mr. Vranesh got up and quit, but from what I've heard and read, he's a smart, very well-balanced guy. I wouldn't quit, either. I'd do just what he did - hire a lawyer and make my case.
Principals and other administrators are not union employees. When promoted from teacher ranks, they leave the union and become at-will workers like most people. There is no union defending Mr. Vranesh, nor threatening action on his behalf. Yes, you can get fired for being a bad principal, but it's almost impossible to get fired for being a bad teacher.
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:56 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 6:56 pm
First off, I am parent who has had children in Pleasanton schools. That said, I really doubt the Administrators in our school district are acting friviously in this situation. We dont really know the allegations that forced the administration to take the action they did. Perhaps, not enough proof. However, lets imagine the Administration knew if they did nothing the very inappropriate alleged conduct might continue. So lets support the Administration until such time as their actions are proven wrong. And if they did actually screw with a man's life and were wrong, the Administration should be replaced.
Downtown
on Dec 11, 2013 at 9:04 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 9:04 pm
@ common sense. No charges have been filed which means JV has been put on leave without cause. To put an administrator on leave charges must be filed. If it was just a personal failing that would be taken care of in his annual review or he would be given a March 15th notice. I do not feel this is clear to parents. JV has been put on leave without cause. That is a huge HR failing. JV has been "screwed with" by the administration not following proceedure. That is a major failing and a HUGE sign of how inept this administration is. How will any principal in this district be able work in a constructive thoughtful way when they understand the failings of Parvin and HR? How will any admin trust Parvin again? This goes far beyond Walnut Grove I am afraid.
Birdland
on Dec 11, 2013 at 9:04 pm
on Dec 11, 2013 at 9:04 pm
@dontneedunions: Your post is correct, that is precisely what happened at WG. jv is being hung out to dry because the district won't back him for doing what he needed to do and then holding him to an impossible standard. Parvin has turned this district into a joke. Bringing Odie in was her first disaster. How he was demoted and ousted in Lodi was all over the internet. Parvin is putting the wrong people in positions of leadership and ousting the good ones. How long can any district sustain itself when leadership is weak? Our kids deserve better than this.
Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Dec 12, 2013 at 5:03 am
on Dec 12, 2013 at 5:03 am
I don't understand why they can't say what the charge or accusation is since he's a public employee. If it comes out that the district lied about the charges against JV, maybe we can start a fund to help out with legal costs to help take the board to the mat, along with getting them removed from their position.
If they did commit some kind of fraudulent act towards JV, they should be personable liable, not the district.
Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Dec 12, 2013 at 6:55 am
on Dec 12, 2013 at 6:55 am
JV is on leave with NO charges being filed. This is not normal or procedure. After they put him on leave the union sent out an email soliciting complaints!
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 12, 2013 at 8:51 am
on Dec 12, 2013 at 8:51 am
What kind of thing could be said or done that would not require charges - but would require investigation and potential removal:
* Harassment - using ones position of power inappropriately
* Speech - Saying something that is indefensible, obscene or derogatory based on gender, race, religion or sexual orientation
* Gross mis-conduct
* Insubordination
* etc
Foothill Knolls
on Dec 17, 2013 at 2:44 pm
on Dec 17, 2013 at 2:44 pm
"Man or Mouse" most likely aka "Thanksgiving" keep sitting behind your computer screen slinging underhanded shots and made up accusations at JV. I agree with the other poster who said you are a bully! Clearly you are the accuser and (it is showing in your posts) that you are a few slices short of a full loaf. Whatever accusations you made up against JV are not going to hold up anywhere because they are exactly that, made up. The students at Walnut Grove are in trouble with you as a teacher at that school (thank god we have moved on HP). Who would want you to teach their children? You should be ashamed of yourself.