I don't think the school board can prevent the public from commenting during the public comment period. The Brown Act protects public comments regarding topics under a legislative body's jurisdiction. While the school board may not wish to address the WG principal situation since it is a confidential personnel issue, members of the public can certainly comment on the situation in general (e.g., opinions regarding how Superintendent Ahmadi communicated to the WG community about the new interim principal). It would also seem that general comments regarding Mr. Vranesh, the WG teachers, the WG community etc. should also be allowed. If President Bowser attempts to cut people off without cause (i.e., an exception would be made if a speaker disrupts the meeting) or refuses to allow public comments, I believe he would be in violation of the Brown Act. Members of the public who wish to attend the school board meeting should feel free to comment on any issue within the school board's jurisdiction.

I am not calling for the Board to resign in the face of this current fiasco, not to mention their unconscionable request for a raise, but I do think it might be cause for consideration among the tax-paying public. Nor am I calling for a petition, per se. I'm just suggesting the Board's actions should perhaps face consequences.

Bowser and Ahmadi cannot muzzle the public's ability to speak on any topic within their subject matter jurisdiction during Meeting Open to the Public. They maybe should remind themselves that there is the First Amendment in America.

Or maybe they should consider moving themselves to run boards in North Korea instead?

I support Jon Vranesh and think he is an amazing leader. I have to be honest, I wasn't going to go to the meeting because I was waiting to see what happened. But now I realize my voice needs to be heard by the Board. This is ridiculous.

Anyone who wishes to make a public comment should try to be at the school board meeting at the beginning of the public meeting (7 p.m.). The public comment section of the agenda is near the beginning, and I would not be surprised if the school board is eager to move past that section as quickly as possible if no one shows up and turns in a blue comment card at the beginning of the meeting. You can also show up at 5 p.m. and provide public comments to the closed session portion of the school board meeting.

Here is a quote from the school board's meeting agenda for tonight:
"8. COMMUNITY
Comments will be taken at 7:15 p.m., or as close to that time as possible. Please use BLUE card to submit a request to speak. Speakers will be called upon in random order. This section is provided so the audience may comment on any item that is NOT on the agenda. According to the Brown Act, the Board may listen to the comments, but they can neither discuss nor take action on the topics presented to them."

By law, the school board has to allow people to speak at meeting open to the public on anything the person wants to speak about. Since this item is not on the agenda, the Board will refrain from discussing the item.

Here is the education code that allows for this:
35145.5. It is the intent of the Legislature that members of the
public be able to place matters directly related to school district
business on the agenda of school district governing board meetings.
Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for
members of the public to directly address the governing board on any
item of interest to the public, before or during the governing board'
s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the governing board. Governing boards shall adopt
reasonable regulations to insure that this intent is carried out. The
regulations may specify reasonable procedures to insure the proper
functioning of governing board meetings.
This subdivision shall not preclude the taking of testimony at
regular meetings on matters not on the agenda which any member of the
public may wish to bring before the board, provided that, except as
authorized by Section 54954.2 of the Government Code, no action is
taken by the board on those matters at the same meeting at which the
testimony is taken. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to
limit further discussion on the same subject matter at a subsequent
meeting.

I am so tired of the unethical dealings of the PUSD. First, the superintendent blackmails the Weekly's blog and forces them to remove all the positive blogs about Jon Vranesh at WG, then the school board president, Jeff Bouser, tries to gag WG parents from supporting Vranesh by emailing them and forbidding them to address the school board in support of this principal... If that was not enough, the teachers' union held a meeting today and pressured their teachers not to support Vranesh at the board
meeting tonight. Really - how corrupt can our system be? The guys done one heck of a job..... His problem like many administrators is that he does not have a superintendent, school board, or union to back him up. Is everyone aware the teacher's union has one middle school and four elementary schools held hostage? You thought a lot of principals left last year..... I know at least 4 elementary principals and one middle school principal talking about leaving at the end of this year. I should know, I am a PUSD teacher. I am so disgusted with the unethical/ highly illegal tactics in our district. The house of cards is falling...the tipping point has come to p-town. Shameful!

You raise some good points, Doni. I feel for you being held hostage by the union, you being a teacher yourself. That must be rough, because they play rough, I know. About the only thing that can be done is for the community of public taxpayers to petition (1) an end to teachers' unions (which will immediately attract excellent teachers from all over the country) and (2) that the Board members all voluntarily admit some degree of culpability in this matter (as well as coddling the union) and so step down, and do so without receiving that extra $20 per month they've been attempting to smuggle into their pay scheme. I am not necessarily saying that a petition is the best option, though others I've talked to around town - I talked to several people at Gene's today - are in support of petitions to remove. I personally am only suggesting that a petition for removal of the corrupt union and the Board that mollycoddles them might be instigated by those who value accountability in the business of running our schools.

Why is it the board only allow the parents speaking out for Mr. Vranesh to speak for 1 minute when they normally allow each speaker 3 minutes? They claimed it was due do to agenda time however they have never done that.

I wonder if the PUSD had read they mission statement lately? The kids and their education, and safety is what should be central to the goals of the PUSD, not allowing being influenced by a few un happy teachers, and their powerful union. This is just like what's going on with our lovely government today. The apology From Jeff Bowser regarding the email came only after the damage was done. The conduct clearly displayed by Jeff Bowser is reason for immediate removal from the PUSD IMO. Attempting to take away the right of our first amendment, along with suggesting teachers not support Vranesh should have serious consequences with removal from his position the least of them.

"No man is so tall as when he stoops to help a child…"
Abraham Lincoln

I think the board has way over stepped their ground here. They've stuck a stick in a hornets nest, and the ramifications may be very costly to them personally as well as financially. If you break a law on purpose or not, and tell the judge, "I'm sorry I made a mistake," doesn't change the fact that a law was broken, and the penalty for breaking that law should be imposed. A simple apology for their violation from the PUSD isn't enough. Maybe there should be an outside investigation with no ties to teachers, or unions, or PUSD to find out what the PUSD is up to.

Love the quote Paul

Actually, the board has been limiting public comment time to 1 minute when parents and teachers have come to support class size reduction at the school board meetings.

I believe it was originally Trustee Jamie Hintzke's recommendation last spring to limit public comment time so that the meetings don't run too long, and President Bowser has been enforcing the 1-minute limits whenever he thinks too many public comment cards have been turned in.

The union reps have unlimited amount of time to talk at the open to the public while the public has 1 minute. That alone speaks volume of how the board views the public. The board feels the public is a nuisance.

There is already the majority of the board (3 members) who will vote for whatever the administration proposes and the public comment is just a charade. Let's hope that there are a couple of good community members who value the public and will run in the school board election next year to replace Bowser and Larson. It is way past time for the community to take the school district back from the administration.

Doni,
I am very concerned about your comment- " I know at least 4 elementary principals and one middle school principal talking about leaving at the end of this year".
If this is true then what is going on? Why are we not able to keep our site principals?

I have full support for Walnut Grove parents, teachers and the principal for what we have all been put threw. If the principal is on leave for something that the board felt needed to be looked into why is Jeff Bowser not on leave? His actions not only broke a law but were morally wrong. He also has said they do not comment on these types of matters. In fact he did comment on the matter when he told parents that Mr.Vranash should not involve them nor should they show up to speak.

Web Link Two out of the five board members terms (Jeff Bowser and Joan Laursen) are up Dec 2014. Perhaps a reminder that they are elected officials is in order.

Maybe a complaint with the ACLU should be filled against Jeff for his violation of the Brown act

Foothill parent,
I'm very concerned too. I had no idea what had been going on until this story broke. I'm not a huge fan of the ACLU, but maybe bringing them in for an investigation would be appropriate.

Perhaps Mr. Bowser forgot such piddling matters while he tries to rally support to be elected to County Supervisor status.

If this is a law violation and if there was a conversation by a member of the PUSD to manipulate teachers, what can we do, and how would we start correct proceedings to implement appropriate punishment to to those members?

Seek a legal opinion.

I hope the school board now understands that the WG parents and community are not going to sit back and quietly wait while our principal is banished for no apparent reason. They have not been respectful in the communications about what has happened with Mr. Vranesh and then we get a rather terse email from Mr. Bowser saying we can't talk at the board meeting. Then, realizing they are breaking the law, they change their mind at the last minute, but limit talks to 1 minute, often rudely cutting people off. Walnut Grove is deeply wounded right now. It's a really big deal. Not even an idea of what we should expect or how long this "process" might take. It's extremely hurtful and disappointing to many people. We just want our principal back.

Juanita Haugen must be rolling over in her grave watching this unfold. I know Personnel Matters are not privy to Public while proceedings are being investigated, etc. but Bowser makes it easy for recall to start I would think and whoever else shoul be thrown off the Board, just takes people to get involved and do it and stop blustering and start doing. Pleasanton sometimes is a city of yak, yaks! The mechanism is there to remove electeds if in disfavor. One of you need to stsrt the ball rolling.

Where is the petition to be signed removing the board!?

I just hope the truth will come out and those responsible will be prosecuted and or removed from the board. Peoples lives, and reputations have been damaged. We won't be bullied, and those who are accountable, you've been warned. The parents won't let the continue. Now DO YOUR JOB

If a petition is to go forward - and I'm not saying it necessarily should - but given the numerous issues involved with this Board it should not be surprising that taxpaying citizens would want to begin circulating a petition.

The language is crucial. I think the Board's namby-pamby position with respect to the leviathan-like teachers' union is one issue that warrants attention. And in my humble opinion, this is probably what is behind the Board's current silence and attempts to silence the public taxpayers.

We all must recall all these issues during the next election.
It is time for a change at PUSD and not a change that we elect someone different who is the same as we have today.

I agree that a petition would have to have proper language if it is to go forward. Having been on different sides of these issues in the past, I'd recommend that if the public goes forward, it first runs a draft past the readers here in order to get feedback. As tax payers we are affected by these issues day in and day out. Once the language is sufficiently shaped, I'd be happy to sign aboard.

As a twenty years employee of the district and member of the Classified Employees negotiating team, I can attest that the teacher's union is in the driver's seat when it comes to issues within the district.

The board needs to change and so does the cabinet. Since this superintendent came our principles have been leaving. How the issue with Mr. Vranesh is handles shows how well PUSD Human Resources is run by Bill Faraghann.

Katie
The Teacher's union is part of the problem in public education.

I will be the 1st yell that good teachers need to be paid more. They have one of the important jobs in the world after that of a parent.

But I have real concerns with with across the salary increase and tenure.

If you are a teacher and your child was at HP let's say can you tell me that are teachers would not want teaching your kid. (Or any school in PUSD)
If yes then the same union you stand up for and support is keep that teacher you would not allow to teach you child.

There is the problem. There must be a way to get ready bad teacher so the good ones can be paid more and we can hire better teachers.

To pay the poor teacher more is unfair to all the great teachers out there.

How much does each member of the Board receive per academic year?

How much do you make in a year?

Same answer, it is irrelevant.

This is a job to 'serve the community'. It is not a career. It is not a job. School Board members are paid a stipend which is not really pay for the job but rather to cover incidental expenses.

I cannot believe that Bowser is doing all of this now. He has filed intent forms to run for Alameda Superintendent of Schools in 2014. His FPPC number for his new campaign is 1353940. We need everybody in the community to be aware of what he is doing now so he does not get elected to this new position and he does not try to stay at our school district. In fact, I think it would be advantageous now to file for a recall. People in the county need to know what he is doing before they vote for him in any office.

Wow- I had to check that for myself and it's true.
Here is the link about Jeff Bowser running for Alameda County Superintendent of school. Web Link
There is no way this can happen !!!!!!

Remember Bowser and the others are elected officials, who we voted for to serve us and our communities. They are therefore accountable to us, and should be representing our views and opinions.

If you feel strongly about anything they are doing, you have the right to approach them directly. Their cell phone numbers and email addresses are all on the PUSD website:
Web Link

Ahmadi Strikes Again!!!!
Regarding Walnut Grove. Ahmadi was involved in doing something very similar in the Fremont School District.
She was involved in ousting the then principal (Riley) of Warm Springs Elementary School, Fremont. She was one of the best principals they have had so far. Now that I am a new resident of Pleasanton, I was quite shocked to see the same thing happen again here. Is it a coincidence to have Ahmadi involved in this again. I remember everything happening quickly with no explaination what so ever. Rumors were being spread around. None of those had anything to do with the students. My opinion is that Riley did what's best for the students and may have not obliged the board and hence the fallout. Its weird after all those years, I move to Pleasanton and find the same thing happening in Walnut Grove.

Ahmadi Strikes Again!!!!
Regarding Walnut Grove. Ahmadi was involved in doing something very similar in the Fremont School District.
She was involved in ousting the then principal (Riley) of Warm Springs Elementary School, Fremont. She was one of the best principals they have had so far. Now that I am a new resident of Pleasanton, I was quite shocked to see the same thing happen again here. Is it a coincidence to have Ahmadi involved in this again. I remember everything happening quickly with no explaination what so ever. Rumors were being spread around. None of those had anything to do with the students. My opinion is that Riley did what's best for the students and may have not obliged the board and hence the fallout. Its weird after all those years, I move to Pleasanton and find the same thing happening in Walnut Grove.

Somehow, a personnel action has escalated into some sort of crisis. Not knowing why is the motivator. People just dont know why the personnel action was initiated. Could it be monetary, insubordination, child abuse or worse? When you elect a group of people to respresent you , you also expect them to do the right thing. That being said, they let them DO what they signed on to do.
As I recall, no one ran for election last year other than incumbents. If you feel they are doing a bad job, RUN for election yourself.

Common Sense you're right. No one ran for school board. However, it is "Common Sense" that a community would be quite upset when those they put in office abuse their office, violate educational law, and when the higher ups clearly demonstrate to the community that they are doing a poor job.

Common sense

You obviously didn't read the post above from Doni

[Removed because it was misleading and potentially false. The link did not support the information the poster placed in the text.]

Perhaps more parents with children in schools don't care if Ms. Ahmadi remains

If nobody the drive to remove, it will never happen

Most of you will most likely flake out before "Ahmadi" packs her bags

she ain't going no-where...i rest my case

tee hee

Am glad my child is in high school and I won't have to deal with all this nonsense much longer. Let's all remember that Jeff Bowser's wife is a teacher and union member so it's not so surprising where his allegiance is. I have friends who are teachers in the district and they say this is happening in schools across the District. Administrators being held hostage by the union, when is this going to stop?!? These people causing the problems don't care about our children at all, all they care about is getting their way. They don't even care that they could be ruining a good person's life. I'm just disgusted! Ahmadi and all who support her should go as should the California Teacher's Union!

I think if there was a petition started to remove the bad board members there would be so much support for it. The Walnut Grove community is incredibly angry and feels helpless. So much tension is brewing, the kids are feeling it and asking questions, people want to do something but have felt powerless. I hope somebody wirh some experience in law/ politics can provide some guidance.

A start would be an online petition calling for the reinstatement of Jon Vranesh as principal. Here is the online link to start one. Web Link

If that doesn't work, it is time to circulate recall petitions. I think the board should also but Ahmadi and Douglas on leave pending an investigation on what is behind this. This has happened in Fremont and Ahmadi was involved and also based on Lodi news reports happened on Odie Douglas's watch (his position was eliminated) where in 2 school districts a 'reverse discrimination' philosophy was put forth. Google Odie Douglas and 'reverse discrimination' and begin looking at all the internet links.

I have heard from many Walnut Grove parents that their children are coming down with something, and may be "sick" on Monday November 18th. Maybe that will get PUSD's attention. I know I am sure sick over the Districts treatment of the Walnut Grove parents and their proactive, well respected, hard working, Principle Vranesh. What is one more day the children lose, the kids hardly go to school at all in November...I wonder why...Union maybe? To add insult to injury, after they tried to violate the legal rights of parents at the Board mtg., the Administration passed a vote to give themselves raises!! Crazy! This is the 3rd Principle in 5 years at Walnut Grove...doesn't that tell you something about the culture there and the lack of support from the District level! Why are Sup. Ahmadi and Ass.Sup. Faragahn getting a raise when one of their schools in shambles? Also, why wasn't the teacher(s) that made the grievance to the Union also put out on leave? That would seem fair. When both parties are "out on leave", there is motivation from both parties to work toward a mutually agreeable solution or compromise.

Under Odie Douglas's time at Lodi and a previous district, many Caucasian principals and vice principals were replaced with non-white principals and vice principals. In addition, the white teachers and administrators in several of the schools filed lawsuits against Lodi Unified School District saying that they were wrongfully terminated, harassed, and subjected to emotional distress. If you Google the internet, you will find out a lot about these type of lawsuits where Caucasian employees were suddenly removed from their positions. Here is one of the many Lodi Unified School District lawsuits ----

Web Link

After reading all the comments above, I'm saddened that the Community of a HANDFUL of complainers makes it sound like a VILLAGE. There are also many error in restating actions taken by the Board and supposed actions taken by a teacher. Regarding voting themselves a raise - that is not true. Valerie Arkin and Jamie Hintzke voted "yay" while the other three, Bowser, Grant and Laursen voted "nay". The item did not pass. As for WG having three principals in the last five years - look at their tenure. Dr. Young served Walnut Grove for two years - he is now Asst. Supt. in Palo Alto. Before him, Mr. Rad served Walnut Grove for nine years. And, as for the teacher(s) bringing grievance against the principal also being put on leave - well all I can say is that Observant, you don't have the knowledge to make that statement. In addition to being a past WG parent, I am also a retired PUSD teacher. In my 35 year tenure, I know of many grievances brought forth against principals. No one was ever put on Administrative leave over a grievance. This PUSD cabinet would not put a principal on administrative leave over a grievance or two, or more - I am sure they have given this issue, whatever it is, much thought and have spent many sleepless nights over it. Their job is not easy. So, Observant, you state your "facts" a little too loosely. You can re-watch the Board Meeting "On Demand" on the Community channel.

To former WG parent,
It is not a handful it is indeed a village. At least 90 percent of the parents I know are extremely upset by this. Some teachers have also quietly voiced support for JV, although it seems most are afraid to. Mr. Vranesh is widely respected by the vast majority of the parents and teachers at WG. A couple of teachers with a union behind them are doing a lot of damage

Former Walnut Grove Parent it is you that needs to re-watch the Board Mtg on demand and then look for Item # 4.14.4...."Possible action to Increase the Compensation for Management /Confidential employees". A little hint..it was voted on and approved. Very sad. It was done so right before item # 5.14.5 Which was the increase in compensation for the Politians you are referring too.

Thoughtful Called it. Mr Bowser is seeking to spread his particular brand of brillance in a higher office.

Former WG parent - Thank you for giving what we are a name. The Walnut Grove community is a VILLAGE. It takes a village to make change. We will not quietly tolerate this and we will stand up for what is just. In a sea of feelings of helplessness at the school, this gives me hope.

WG parents--please don't call your kids in "sick" on Monday, Nov. 18. Contrary to observant's post, there is a lot to lose. Please don't cause the district to lose more funding dollars--this will only come back to hurt the elementary school population when the school board approves the budget for next year. I think the district has already heard the message via emails and public comments, and a sickout will only cause more harm to our fractured community.

I think PUSD has done a poor job of communicating to the WG community, although Ahmadi's statement in today's PW article, "Parents Push for Principal's Return," (Web Link was vastly improved. And clearly, President Bowser's email was entirely inappropriate; I'm glad that he apologized at the board meeting.

To the WG teachers that are reading these forums, please know that 90% of my acquaintances are watching and waiting to see what happens. We do not know what happened, but we trust that our teachers would not trump up charges.

Our thoughts are also with Principal Vranesh; this is a hard time for everyone in our community, and we are hoping and praying for peace and healing.

Although I don't have children at WG, I encourage the parents to continue their efforts to get to the bottom of this unfortunate situation. We will support you--we applaud parents who fight for their kids and for what is right.

Perhaps more importantly, our community needs to make sure Bowser doesn't get elected to the county office. A man who is impulsive, dictatorial, and abusive of power certainly needs to be stopped before he does more damage to our communities.

Former WG Parent I find it offensive you call a community voicing concerns "complainers". That was the attitude of Mr. Bowser. Voicing concern when CLEARLY the board, superintendents, and union are making mistake seems nieve. WG families, PUSD, and the Pleasanton community derserve more.

No accuser has the true knowledge to make statements about why someone was put on leave unless that accuser is present and involved in the process and knows what is actually going on. That information is confidential anyway. Implying in this situation that the reason for leave is more serious than "a grievance or two or more" without fact is irresponsible and wrong

FS I have been a PUSD employee for just under ten years and "yes" an administrator under Parvin would be put on admin leave for "just" a grievance being filed. I know it seems like that would not be the case but the problem within PUSD is a deep and troubled disfunction.
As an employee that cares deeply for our students I hope things improve. Especially because folks like yourself beleive things are better than they are.

In no way did I mean to convey that I believed things were better than they are. Those who are dishonest and corrupt will have to deal with their guilty consciences.

I'm a teacher who has worked with Jon for several years. I am also a union member who will not simply follow the union. Working with Jon was an honor and I learned a lot under his leadership. I know several teachers have written letters and I highly recommend that if you support Jon Vranesh, you write a letter to the superintendent and board members.

He is an amazing man!

Well said "Another WG Parent"...and everyone, PLEASE do not keep your kids home on Monday! Join me as part of the growing group that is showing our teachers that we appreciate all that they do for our kids, while also being grateful for all that Jon Vranesh has done for so many of our students at Walnut Grove. Let's be patient, and not rush to judge anyone until we know the FACTS!!!

------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Another WG Parent, a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School

WG parents--please don't call your kids in "sick" on Monday, Nov. 18. Contrary to observant's post, there is a lot to lose. Please don't cause the district to lose more funding dollars--this will only come back to hurt the elementary school population when the school board approves the budget for next year. I think the district has already heard the message via emails and public comments, and a sickout will only cause more harm to our fractured community.

I think PUSD has done a poor job of communicating to the WG community, although Ahmadi's statement in today's PW article, "Parents Push for Principal's Return," (Web Link) was vastly improved. And clearly, President Bowser's email was entirely inappropriate; I'm glad that he apologized at the board meeting.

To the WG teachers that are reading these forums, please know that 90% of my acquaintances are watching and waiting to see what happens. We do not know what happened, but we trust that our teachers would not trump up charges.

Our thoughts are also with Principal Vranesh; this is a hard time for everyone in our community, and we are hoping and praying for peace and healing.

Mom of Two pray for "peace and healing" and change in superentedents please. Our children deserve more.

What do you expect for $2.31 per hour? A school board trustee earns $400/month working this as a full-time job (because that is what it takes to do it right, meet with the public, do their homework, etc.). You get what you pay for. And then you also subject them to anonymous blogs, campaign financing, fund raising, loss of business time to earn a real living.

All of these fine blog posters, other professionals with finance and HR experience, including me, could run for office but we won't. Why? Because it is not worth it. Meanwhile the debt keeps rising and the HR problems keep surfacing.