Bravo Pleasanton Unified School District! Bravo! Thank you for putting the interests and safety of our children first!

I've come to the conclusion that the school board has morphed over the years from a once non partisan body with a focus on education to 5 political animals with little to no concern for any kid, their learning environment or the quality of staff. Instead in so called blue sheeted personnel documents the teacher exit continues and administrator churn keeps going. They (removed) place barriers on lawful enforcement by lawful government agencies whose very existence is to protect the country. I watched Trump's fantastic speech last night. I have re registered my party identification from Democrat to Republican. It is a sad realization that the entire set of school board members are unfit to govern. Too bad they've dragged the schools into the ground with political stump speeches right out of central casting, a revolving door of staff, and filthy facilities. Thank goodness most of us can pull their kids out of this madness and afford private schools.

Is anyone surprised? Totally out of touch with the real world. They continue to live in a self-centered fantasy world, ignoring the primary purpose of their role. At best, ignorant ... at worst they could care less about what the majority of PUSD constituents feel and simply thumb their noses at you - the taxpayer. The sad, sad part is that they continue to be rewarded because we are forced to pay property taxes and cannot withhold our monetary support if we do not agree. On a positive note, I am so happy that my children have always attended private schools! Yes, it has cost me a lot of money over the years, but the sacrifice is well worth it in order to be (somewhat) free from the grasp of these tyrants.

Keep ignoring the outcry PUSD and keep up your totalitarian and elitist ways. The common citizen is quickly tiring from these types of attitudes amongst our 'public servants'.

Given the school board can't seem to do something as simple as doing the one job they are required to do --- hire and retain a superintendent and make sure the pupils have teachers and books --- it has absolutely no business stepping into how the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal marshals or the military runs its operations.

The out of touch school board shows a resounding lack of compassion and caring in the disrespect show to murder victim Katie Steinle, native Pleasanton resident. Maybe they have no idea who Katie Steinle even was perhaps and don't read the newspapers?

Next they'll be passing resolutions regarding military operations in Yemen, nuclear non-proliferation, deployment of the National Guard, etc.

If you want to improve things, at the next election do not vote for a candidate that is endorsed by a union or a political party. A candidate that truly cares about our kids and education should be free of those endorsements, not seek them, and publicly refuse them if awarded. I encourage members of our community that are concerned on the school to start to get up to speed on some of the details and run for office in 2018. Looking for people with critical thinking skills and not afraid to tell the administration there is a better way.

Is there anything we can do to get this reversed?
As taxpayers we should have a say in this decision....especially since they will now likely come asking for more money from us to fund the education of the illegals that are in our system.

The only reason the board elected to have PUSD as a safe haven is if these children are sent back to their country then the school would lose money. Bottom line its all about the mighty dollar and not what is best for our schools or country.

So glad my kids are out of school here in Pleasanton. This political statement by the board does nothing to help a child's education and only works to continue to divide the residents in a time they should be trying to bring the children and community together.

Unless I'm reading this wrong, the PUSD is telling the parents and their kids that it's okay to disrespect the law (for example, harbor illegal immigrants) if it makes you feel like a better human being. Ironically, that's what people have been telling the immigrants who come in illegally. In other words, the illegal immigrants have been lied to. So, they have been forced to live a life in the shadows, with no chance of living out their dreams. Does that make you feel like a better human being? Would you want to have to live in the shadow of illegality? How cruel is that?

Not to mention, what are we teaching our children? That some laws and law enforcement officers don't have to be respected, or obeyed? That the way to changing laws they deem unfair is to disobey them, or worse, get in law enforcement's face about it? That's a very dangerous thing to teach your children. That is NOT keeping children safe. I pray that you don't find out how dangerous that is. Or do you think it's worth the risk for your child?

I don't think ICE has any intention of coming into a school and deporting a child on site. But, I'm not familiar with their process. Maybe PUSD knows better? But if this is just a political stunt, which it seems to be, they are messing with the safety of the children they are claiming to protect, in my opinion.

The best way to raise attendance and homework completion levels, is to have ICE come in and remove an illegal alien child, and deport the child with their parents. Then every student should be told by their parents that this is what happens when you don't follow the law. Parents are provided with teaching moments as their children grow up. Use these moments to raise a law-abiding citizen of the USA. Unless, of course, you want to raise a snowflake who won't take responsibility for their actions. Your choice.

@Concerned

Somehow you will survive this policy move. Don't be scared.

PUSD should notice all parents for the hearing, before make such a big decision. If federal fund is cut , because PUSD now officially declares "sanctuary", who will pay the cost?!

Those of you that blame the unions have no idea of what is going on with the unions. They have no unchecked power or influence. You really need to talk to the people that are employed by the district. Talk to the support staff, after all they are the ones that make things happen. They are also the first to be laid off and treated poorly by management and the school board. Make sure you watch to see who will be losing their jobs in the near future. It won't be anyone else in the district office that has been fully staffed over the last few years

I haven't heard a single report saying that ICE was coming into schools to scoop up children to be deported.. Seriously.. lets focus on bipartisan Education and stop endorsing political rhetoric!

In each and every election in the 21 years we have lived in Pleasanton, we have voted in favor of money (bonds, taxes, etc.) going to the our schools. We firmly believed that this would keep the quality of many things high and it was worth it to us even though we have not had children in schools in 30-ish years. This ends now. if this is the way our dollars are to be used, PUSD, you no longer have our support. You've lost our votes forever.

@ parent. BRAVO ! All good points. The only thing those idiots accomplished was getting our minds off of their poor choices for superintendent, or so they think! Time to start some kind of a recall and take our schools back. As of today my open checkbook for our schools is now CLOSED.

I am proud of this school board decision; and make no mistake, the long-term survival and success of America depends on free, safe, tolerant, and diverse PUBLIC schools. This decision contributes to that future success. Actions we take out of fear do us harm. What I learned from my parents and my teachers (decades ago): "Doing the right thing is still the right thing to do."

They put in a solution to a non problem and in the process put our tax money at risk. It just shows the liberal mind and why they cannot make rational and intelligent decisions. This just underscores why our district is such a mess.

No more money or votes from this household.

No RU, not surprised at all. I think we all knew this was going to pass unanimously, unfortunately. It's how things are done lately, not only in the School District, but with our City (high-density housing popping up everywhere in this town!). We have no say in anything anymore. Our family will no longer make the yearly donation (which has been quite sizeable) to the School District. The PUSD illegally used taxpayers money (much needed money that should have gone to our schools) to fund this deceptive, unnecessary campaign. Pleasanton is and has always been a "safe haven" for our children, all children. This resolution is a joke and its sole propose is to cause dissension in our communities. Next up, City of Pleasanton declares itself a 'Sanctuary City' because everyone knows this is such a horrible, lawless City! Those of you who are pushing these useless agendas, maybe think about the destruction you're doing to our law-abiding communities, or maybe that's actually your goal, wouldn't doubt it for a minute!

On another note, we would love to hear recommendations on private schools in this area, especially since our wonderful School District is now in the process of taking away actual class periods and turning them into free time (40 minute "Access Periods") for our students. More dumbing down ideas! Heck, why have any curriculum or classes at all?! Oh, and by the way, they'll now be "tracking" our kids too. Kinda scary to think that the District will be monitoring and watching our students (all students, legal and illegal) like that! Thought that was the point of being a 'safe haven school district,' protecting the rights and information of our students. Oh well, wadda we know? You go PUSD!

Here's what the resolution could have said:

PLEASANTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTION NO. 2016-2017.28
REAFFIRMING SUPPORT OF A SAFE SCHOOL DISTRICT


WHEREAS, according to the District mission statement, the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Education is committed to ensuring that every student develops the enduring knowledge, skills, and character to make a better world;

WHEREAS, our Pleasanton Unified School District Moral Imperatives state that all students and staff have the right to a safe and respectful learning environment that fosters positive connections;

WHEREAS, as outlined in our Pleasanton Unified School District nondiscrimination policy, we commit to providing a safe environment where all are treated equally regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, disability, or need for special education services. This means that all children are embraced as full members of our school community, and that all students have a right to an education, regardless of any difference;

WHEREAS, Education has a critical role in furthering tolerance and strengthening our society;

WHEREAS, as a school district, we maintain our commitment to fulfilling our obligation to maintaining schools and classrooms that are safe and inclusive places for all students and families;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pleasanton Unified School Board of Education directs the Superintendent to support:

● Providing safe school sites, facilities, and equipment for students, families, and the community;
●  Upholding Pleasanton schools as safe and supportive spaces for students, staff, and community members, free from intimidation, hostility, or violence;
●  Promoting tolerance and acceptance instead of hate speech;
●  Restricting the sharing of student files, protected under the Family Educational Rights and Protection Act that may be used to ascertain the legal status of students;
●  Enforcing the Board’s Equity and Diversity Resolution;
●  Continuing to teach tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion in our schools, set clear and high expectations for how we treat one another, and encourage and equip our educators to address issues around race;
●  Allocating adequate resources necessary to support diversity, inclusion, and the values of a multicultural society;
●  Hosting activities and events celebrating diversity;
●  Offering educational equity and diversity professional development opportunities
for all staff;
●  Endorsing a set of unifying activities determined by each school site.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Education will work closely with the City, County, and other state and local municipalities and community organizations to ensure our students and families are provided a protected space;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education reaffirms its focus on promoting and elevating tolerance, inclusiveness, and kindness of all students, families, and staff at all District school sites, facilities, and material property;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education reaffirms Pleasanton Unified School District’s unequivocal commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive educational environment for all students, free from discrimination, to the fullest extent provided by the law.


In other words, they didn't need to list diversity percentages, languages, and free lunches--numbers that only continue to divide us. They didn't need to make political statements about the last election. They wouldn't have needed to cover their statements with "to the fullest extent of the law"--acknowledging their limits. They didn't need to incorporate fear and hate speech--those are things where real action is necessary.

Without those "Whereas" clauses, they would have supported every student in this community--their spoken intention--and not have called possible attention to those families who may have undocumented members.

Given the liberal political slant that the PUSD board stands for and advocates for, I am considering a charter school for my children. Knowing that the charter school in Livermore is a complete mess, I am left wondering what other options exist near us? I am also seeking feedback and recommendations for a high-quality independent study or home school charter in the area? I want to make sure my children are educated in a manner that is consistent with my values, values that are not aligned with PUSD and this board. All recommendations welcome.

What was the point of the meeting last night? To tell us you've already made a decision and live with it?
That's it! I will not contribute funds to a school district that doesn't want to listen to it's parents and students. 90% of the comments on here yesterday were against this resolution and the school board still runs it through.
Good luck PUSD...watch the PPIE donations drop as well as all the money you ask for at registration and the federal funds dry up. Good luck.

PUSD Parent, the majority of those speaking last night spoke in favor of the resolution. These comments, from anonymous posters, are largely disregarded (my words). Absent attendance at the meeting or *an overwhelming number* of emails, the influence goes to the speakers, especially if it supports their original intent. This is not to be dismissive of those writing here or to suggest we step from behind anonymity. Just wanted to point to the reality of governance.

Bravo PUSD for standing up to the big bully in the white house.

For those of you that are saying we are a nation of laws and that laws should be followed blindly regardless of if we like them or not are living in a fantasy world in which laws are perfect and can account for every possible exception. For example, would you condemn a man to prison because he stole food for his starving kids? How about if you are being shot at by some maniac and speed away in your car to save your life. Should you get a speeding ticket?

@Kathleen:

I was at the meeting but chose not to submit my yellow card to speak because it was clear that this decision was predetermined and any remarks that I offered would have fallen on deaf ears. That said, I do believe that putting a face to our voices would be more powerful.

Thanks Doc. It wasn't the friendliest environment anyway.

AF, this wasn't a stand against anything, really. The resolution mentioned the law several times to note the district had real limitations. What if your speeding victim hits and kills a pedestrian? We can all think of laws that will bend due to circumstance. I'm sure there are laws on the books in every state that need to be eliminated. And there are times to protest. This resolution was supposed to be about support and safety of our children, not a call out to ICE because, maybe, someday, in a time far far away, they might show up and ask a question. And, in which case, we will have to respond about, according to one board member, information we don't have on record anyway.

Wow, I am surprised at the level of objection to this action taken by the school board, which simply ratifies what have been the practices in place in our school district and many, many others for years.

I don't welcome or condone illegal immigration. I simply recognize it as a reality. Given that some of the people who live in our community can't document their legal right to live here, we face the question: Should their children be punished by barring them from public school?

Children do not choose where they live. As a society, we benefit when children are educated. Our school district welcomes all who can demonstrate that they reside in Pleasanton. We don't want children to be fearful about going to school, and we want their parents to be engaged in helping their children to learn, so we don't want parents to be fearful about visiting the school.

It seems to me that people who oppose this policy should take it up with state lawmakers, rather than with the school board members.

Hi Sandy, I have a lot of respect for your involvement in our schools, and for the times you've spoken at meetings.

The issue was the politicized commentary in the resolution, at least for me. It wasn't necessary to reaffirming support of all students, legal or undocumented. And this wasn't lawmakers declaring a safe haven state; this was our board. Of course we expect our board to protect our children. We don't expect codified comments about national elections and drawing incorrect conclusions about votes for propositions correlating to support for safe haven districts.

My fellow residents of Pleasanton-

I believe we must pressure the board to consider an additional resolution, one that specifically declares a safe zone for students whose parents voted for the current "President":

WHEREAS, the new "President" is the embodiment of fascist evil and enforcer of existing laws. Children exposed to this view on a daily basis at home should be provided extra support and enlightenment-instruction during the school day

WHEREAS, we the board must protect the children of PROPERLY enlightened parents from the hate-filled schoolyard rhetoric of 4% GDP growth, tax code simplification, and infrastructure spending advocated by the "President"

WHEREAS, children of the "President's" supporters may be subject to mostly justified intimidation and ostracization by the children of PROPERLY enlightened parents. We recognize even hearing the "President's" name may trigger anti-social behavior by otherwise normal, loving children

I would seriously like them to consider this or something similar.

Thank you.

To PUSD:

Question: Want to know how and why you got President Trump?

Answer: Because of useless proclamations and illegal activities such as Sanctuary School Districts and Cities.

Keep it up. It will be a long 16 years for you and the Democrats (but I repeat myself).

Dan

As a tax payer, I want a refund. PUSD is acting as a private organization and should receive their funding through other means.

It is so sad that we have to reiterate that our schools are a safe haven for ALL children. When you hear about child bullies, it's not hard to see where the lack of compassion comes from....apple...tree...not far...

@LovesPtown

I couldn't agree more. I have a cousin that lives in the eastbay, his sixth grader has endured endless abuse and intimidation at school after it came out his parents voted for Trump.

Enlightened bullies, here in the SF bay area.

I'm reminded of a presidential candidate who referred to tens of millions of voters as "deplorable" and "irredeemable"

How's that for creating an environment of intimidation?

Thank you.

I don't get it. If "Existing ICE policy states it will not conduct immigration enforcement activity at sensitive locations like schools and churches without permission from certain federal law enforcement officials", then what is this measure about? If its about sending the message that every child is safe and tolerated, then tell them that daily and show it.

This is nothing more than political grandstanding. First the school, which is an easy win and quite meaningless, then the ultimate goal is to make Pleasanton a sanctuary city, which will mean very much.

They started this in Dublin already, hence why I created this petition: Web Link

Alvin, it would seem the Democratic Party is doing all it can to create the needed political momentum to declare California a sanctuary state.

cbonner.

While it is horrible to hear that a child is being bullied, it's actually rather fitting for a Trump supporter to complain about it. Perhaps now you can begin to understand the reason why so many people are so vehemently against Trump.

It is not because they disagree with his political views. It's because of the way he promotes his political views. Rather than thoughtful discussion based on fact to support his arguments, he resorts to name calling and belittlement. He can only be described as a big fat bully that spews hate and division.

On the plus side, Trump is finally starting to have more thoughtful and rational discussions about the problems at hand. I actually agree with him that a points based system like what Canada has would be a good start to reforming our broken immigration system. It could also provide a path for undocumented immigrants to become lawful residents and ultimately US citizens. Certainly this would be much more cost effective, economically beneficial and humane thing to do than mass deportation.

Washington Post

Title: After decades in America, the newly deported return to a Mexico they barely recognize

"More returnees means lower wages for everybody in blue-collar industries such as construction and automobile manufacturing, where competition for jobs is likely to increase, economists say."

Sound familiar?

"Rather than thoughtful discussion based on fact"

Unlike the fact-based thoughtful discussion we see in the drive-by media?

funny

I'm reminded of a time when a good friend of mine was ostracized at his very hip technology company when it came out he was both a devout christian and republican
(this was many years prior to Trump, if that's helpful)

No matter all time he devoted to volunteer work with foster kids, building homes in mexico, donating money to orgs like shepherd's gate etc.

The liberal haters in the bay area gotta do what they gotta do

Save your pathetic lecture about hate and intolerance

@cbonner

First, I want to state that I am in total agreement with your post's. Secondly, the real fear in this state and country is that the public school system has such a great influence on our children, and not for the good. They use fear (out of ignorance) to change and maintain their false narrative, only aided by ignorant parents. It is even worse at the college level. It is shameful, scary, and maddening that it has accelerated at such a rate after this election. My daughter is a teacher in an elementary school here in the tri-valley, and the stories she tells me about these liberal teachers and administrators is nothing short of frightening. Karl Marx said, in so many words, if you want to change a country, change its culture. Destruction from the Democrats will countinue to accelerate.

Alternative Fact,

It is NOT TRUE that our immigration laws are "broken". The simple FACT is they have not been enforced by the very people who enacted the laws in the first place. This, compounded by the fact that State and local governments also don't follow the laws either lead us to the place we're I right now.

Enforce the laws already on the books

@Jake Waters,

This country's culture has changed many times in the past and will change again in the future. Why all the fear? I can't get too worked up just because someone wants to "change America". Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Franklin Roosevelt, and on an on all changed America in fairly fundamental ways.

@DKHSK,

I'd say that just because the laws aren't being enforced doesn't mean they can't be improved. Moving to more of a merit based system, like some Trump advisers are pushing may be a good idea. H-1 visas could probably be reformed for the better....

And then we'll have improved laws that aren't enforced, BobB. Bravo.

The core issue is that we keep voting the same people back into office that do NOTHING. And they've done nothing purposefully:

Republicans - afraid of pissing off the chamber of commerce and being called a bunch of meanies by the corrupt hater media

Democrats - they see the people here illegally as a huge potential voting block

@BobB

Keep your eyes on France, Germany, Great Britain, and Sweden, to name a few, the cultural change there is quite significant. I am fearful of the cultural change that will be moving away from our American values and our American identity. You can close your eyes real tight BobB, and hope the wizard doesn't change things, but it is clearly evident. And please don't start labeling me with the overworked words or terms that a particular party is in a habit of spewing.

"American values" I can understand. "American identity"? What is that, and how is it different from American values?

BobB,

Sure, but improved from what baseline? You can't improve on something that wasn't being used.

Get it?

BobB,

"Merit-based" is just marketing language that really means taking care of citizens first and that is a good thing since we know that many immigrants come here to ride our overly generous welfare system, and the Democrats use this to continue doling out that sweet, sweet government cheese.

And don't get me started on H1b. The tech companies are purposely laying off citizens and hiring low cost labor from East and West Asia. Thid is an open secret.

DKHSK,

Your ignorance knows no bounds. Without H1-B visas, tech companies would just set up shop wherever the skilled workers are. The fact that they are allowed to bring the skilled workers here helps keep the US economy vibrant because almost all the money they earn stays here. They all buy things from local stores, get services from local businesses, buy homes or rent apartments and spend immense amounts of money here.

And if you think I'm not impacted by H1-B visas, I am in the tech industry. Many of my co-workers are H1-B visa holders. I am a US citizen and not afraid of these H1-B visa holders taking my job away. They help make the company I work for profitable and it would be virtually impossible to replace them with US citizens because there are simply not enough skilled US workers.

@Alternative facts

Your username really speaks to your lack of knowledge of the H1b problem. Perhaps you should begin with Michelle Malkin's book: Sold Out. We have the talent in this country to address the STEM request. Unfortunately, it is all about more and more profit. It is absolutely shameful what these corporations do, and lie about.

Alternative Facts,

You realize that you proved my point, right?

And no, genius, it's not nessecarily cheaper outsourcing IT work overseas. Case in point, why are employers abusing H1b if it's just cheaper to outsource overseas? Oops, a little problem there in your logic, eh?

Btw dude, I've been in tech my entire adult life, let's talk.

Dan

A "skills gap" does exist in this country, it exists in many job markets with various skill requirements. There are tens of millions of adults out of the workforce, we have job openings employers struggle to fill. We get it.

To me, that more Americans don't care about the scope of the skills gap issue is a sign of serious decay and decline in a country of this size.

That said, it's well documented the H1-B program in high-tech specifically has been RIFE with abuses. A cursory search on Google will show that. Older workers replaced with 28 year-olds from India. Government policies picking winners and losers, placing American workers in direct competition with much lower-priced foreign counterparts. Silicon Valley greed and stock prices. The naivete of some people is really astounding.

btw, Alternative Facts-

The fact that I care about the skills gap and the U.S. worker - does that make me a nationalist nazi racist hater in your world?

Curious.

Cbonner

The fact that you care about the American worker is good. However, protectionist policies generally cause more harm than good. Although they may help a few workers, they hurt everyone else in the form of higher prices for goods and services and with fewer people working, there is less money being spent at local stores and businesses.

If you want to see the down side of protectionist policies, look at Argentina. They implemented high import tariffs in an attempt to protect the Argentinian manufacturing industry. While this did help increase wages for some workers, the standard of living for almost everyone else went down because of inflation. This particularly hurt the Argentinian retail electronics industry because Argentinians would cross the boarder in mass to buy things in other countries rather than in Argentina because stuff in countries was 1/2 the price. It also created a huge black market for things illegally imported. Overall, this had a significant net negative impact on the Argentinian economy.

So although your intentions may be to help the American worker, you need to look at the net effect a protectionist policy has on the US economy because protectionist policies generally cause more harm that good. You might help a few workers in one industry, but cause mass unemployment in another.

Alternative Facts,

There you go again, ascribing "protectionist policies" to wanting employers to follow the laws wrt H1b visas.

Nothing like a little redirection, eh genius?

Dan

H-1b is visa law is protectionist law. That is part of the point of the law.

DKHSK

Don't get me wrong. I want all employers to follow the H1-B visa laws too. I'm just saying that you can't let a few bad actors that abuse the H1-B visa program spoil things for everyone. The H1-B visa program has had a huge net positive impact on our economy and eliminating it because a few companies might be abusing it is a very very bad idea.

BobB,

"H-1b is visa law is protectionist law. That is part of the point of the law."

It is protectionist specifically for corporations, most certainly NOT for the American citizen.

Dan

Alternative Facts,

If you're in tech, then you'll be interested in this article from IEEE: Web Link

It discusses in much greeter detail the H1b Visa BS that is being perpetrated on the citizen engineers.

I found this statistic from very compelling: "In 2014 (the last year we have good data), Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy used 21,695 visas, or more than 25 percent of all private-sector H-1B visas used that year. Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Uber, for comparison, used only 1,763 visas, or 2 percent."

For comparison, the 25%-er's charged an average of $60-$70k for their workers while the 2%-er's paid an average of $138k.

So this is not just a few bad apples spoiling the barrel.

Anyway, enjoy the article.