Questions from the Press, March 15, 2024: Introduction of Ethnic Studies at Sonoma Valley High School.

On Thursday, March 14th, the Sonoma Valley Unified Board of Trustees approved an Ethnic Studies Course for Sonoma Valley High School, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024, for 9th graders. Andy Gibson, the chair of the History/Social Science Department, highlighted the course's significance. The course explores "the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and experiences that shape the state of California and our own community." The course itself is structured around four main units: "Exploring Identity and Diversity," "Systems and Power," "Family and Community," and "Movements." Each unit examines various aspects of ethnic studies, from personal and collective identities to historical prejudice and the role of protest movements. This approach seeks to equip students with "the skills to become informed, empathetic, and active participants in our society."

The adoption of the course responds to the educational mandate set forth by California Assembly Bill 101, requiring high school students to complete a semester-long Ethnic Studies course to graduate starting with the class of 2029-2030. It also aligns with broader educational goals of fostering awareness as part of our general civics education. The primary text for the course will be "Uncharted Territory Second Edition" by Jim Burke. This is in accord with the District's commitment to ensuring the course fits the California History/Social Science Framework and the CDE Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.

Feedback from the student body underscores the potential impact of the Ethnic Studies course. Student surveys revealed sentiments such as, "I think this would be beneficial because multiple cultures can be represented, and it is important overall to have a broadened view of the different cultures we live with." This reflects the student interest in seeing their cultures and histories represented in the curriculum, reinforcing the course's goal of fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. The course looks to "give students a well-rounded perspective on the experiences of all while placing a strong emphasis on personal reflection." In general, the course is an example of Sonoma Valley High School's effort to create an inclusive educational environment that respects and honors all voices, while also contributing to the cultivation of a respectful and understanding community, well prepared to participate in America's strong history of democratic self-government. 

Below, I answer questions from the Sonoma Index-Tribune/Santa Rosa Press Democrat regarding the course. 

1. What is your reaction to an ethnic studies course being added to the curriculum at Sonoma Valley High School in the 2024-25 school year?

It's positive that we're introducing an Ethnic Studies course at Sonoma Valley High School for the 2024-25 school year. This addition, mandated by law, signifies a step towards meeting our educational obligation to all our students, and towards an inclusive educational environment generally.

2. Why is this course needed?

The State of California created this requirement to address the need for students to understand the cultures and histories that make up our community. It's critical for democracy that, amongst other things, we have an understanding of one another when we cast our votes. 

3. Do you think it will help to improve the overall climate on campus by increasing students’ awareness of diversity? If so, tell me how.

I think that students, staff, and the community will have a stronger awareness of and appreciation of the different cultural perspectives in our Valley. I think the goal is ultimately to cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment, and I think the implementation of this course is a step on the road to that objective.

4. Do you think it will help students in their post-high school careers? If so, tell me how.

In business, especially those that have an international component, understanding diverse cultures is often the critical element in promoting win-win solutions. The skills and perspectives gained from this course should enhance our students' ability to navigate both the workplace and society, encouraging communication and empathy.

5. As the course was presented last night, how do you feel about its scope and approach?

The scope and approach of the course, as presented, seems comprehensive and appropriate, touching on important themes of cultural organization and community, which are at the core of a deep understanding of civics.

6. Do you think that it needs to be modified in any ways?

The course is well-structured, and it will of course benefit from feedback from the community and educators, built on the solid foundation of the current framework.

7. Do you view the course as presented last night as still a work in progress that might be modified before it is implemented?

Our curriculum generally gets regularly reviewed and updated by our educators to reflect new insights and developments. Almost from the moment we approve changes to curriculum, the next set of updates begins, to maintain relevance in light of further developments, and I imagine our staff are already thinking along those lines. 

8. Do you think that it is most appropriate to provide the course for ninth graders as opposed to other grade levels? Why or why not?

Offering this course to ninth graders is strategic, and balanced between the developmental stages the students are traversing as they cross the middle-to-high school boundary. The course provides a scaffolding for cultural empathy and awareness, and should encourage critical thinking at what I think is the right time in students' high school journey. It's a moment where they are preparing for future academic and social endeavors that will necessitate the meticulous work of understanding the context of those with whom they collaborate, or, indeed, disagree.

9. Do you think that it is sufficient to offer only one semester of the course rather than multiple semesters that could include other grade levels?

This course is a start, and the discussion last night noted that the curriculum could be expanded to provide more depth and engagement. I imagine staff will explore how additional semesters could further enrich students' learning experiences, especially when informed by this initial course.

10. Would you like to say anything else?

 

I want to express my support for the initiative and thank those who put the effort into developing this course. It represents a significant step towards preparing our students to participate in civic life, through thoughtful, informed, and responsible engagement with our democratic traditions. 

Beyond Technology: The Mother Behind Silicon Valley's Birth.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

A friend recently drew my attention to one of Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History podcasts from last October. Starting with a modest plaque at 391 San Antonio Road, Mountain View, marking the "Birthplace of Silicon Valley," Gladwell discusses the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, located originally there, that pioneered the first silicon devices. Gladwell then sets out to explore the reasons behind William Shockley's decision to establish his semiconductor laboratory there, especially given the alternatives available to him at the time.

Shockley was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and the co-inventor of the transistor, and as Gladwell describes, he had the world at his feet with offers from prestigious institutions and cities across the United States. Yet, he chose to relocate to the Santa Clara Valley, dismissing opportunities in Pasadena where he had strong backing from Arnold Beckman, a wealthy entrepreneur and founder of Beckman Instruments. Gladwell notes that, "He [Shockley] finally finds a backer he likes ... who is based near Caltech in Pasadena. Beckman loves Shockley, loves his ideas... Shockley says, no. I want to be in the apricot orchards of the Santa Clara Valley."

Gladwell reveals that personal, rather than professional, reasons primarily influenced Shockley's decision. The profound impact of Shockley's mother on his life and choices becomes evident. She desired to instill in him "the feeling of force and the joy of responsibility for setting the world right on something," highlighting the emotional and psychological depths of their relationship. Gladwell challenges the conventional narratives that attribute the rise of Silicon Valley to macroeconomic forces, institutional support, or even the weather. Instead, it presents a more nuanced and personal view: "Why did the Santa Clara Valley become the birthplace of the computer age? Because someone wanted to be close to mom," he says. 

The discussion further expands on Shockley's personality, his turbulent professional relationships, and his eventual embrace of controversial public stances, which cast a shadow on his earlier accomplishments. Despite these challenges, the enduring connection with his mother remains a focal point, suggesting that even in the face of professional adversity and personal turmoil, the desire for familial proximity played a critical role in his decision-making.

Gladwell's larger thesis seems to be that personal motivations, sometimes dismissed by historians and analysts in favor of larger narratives, can have profound and lasting effects. The story of Shockley and the inception of Silicon Valley serves as an example of how the personal and the professional can intertwine, leading to outcomes that shape the world, at least as far as Gladwell is concerned. 

Whether Gladwell is right or not in the degree to which he asserts the primacy of this factual predicate, he is correct to draw attention to the complex interplay between personal desires, familial relationships, and their impact. "We construct a history of the greatest technological revolution of our time, and we build our theory out of macro forces, institutions, and structural advantages. We look for a grand logic, a reason big enough to match the magnitude of the outcome. But there is no grand logic. There's just an aging widow living on a quiet street in Palo Alto who wanted her golden boy next to her, and the golden boy himself stretched to the limit by his own demons, who needed her next to him." While I might not go so far, Gladwell's take is refreshing given the human character of our decisions, which is so often overlooked so quickly by so many.

Government by Podcast.

The February 22 Economist examined podcasting, which caused me to reflect on that industry's similarity to live local government broadcasts in the United States. Both provide lenses to examine the relationship between audiences and their perceptions of trust and legitimacy, and a path potentially to improved public engagement and credibility through direct audience engagement.

Since its inception in 2004, podcasting has evolved from "downloadable radio" into a cultural force, engaging listeners with long-form, conversational content. The Economist points out this evolution, noting the medium's impact on audiences with detailed narratives, as seen in the success of "Serial" in 2014. This series, investigating a murder trial, marked a significant moment in podcasting history and highlighted the medium's potential to connect with its audience through storytelling and transparency, while alluding to the importance of trust and legitimacy podcasting might play in a governmental context (here, the perception of the integrity of a criminal proceeding).

The push for live government broadcasts on platforms like YouTube reflects a demand for transparency and engagement in the public sector, particularly when coupled with the ability of audiences to participate remotely, largely a byproduct of the social-distancing requirements of COVID-19. These broadcasts provide direct access to decision-making processes, allowing the public to observe governance and indeed to participate as well. This aligns with efforts to enhance trust and legitimacy through at least the appearance of openness, demonstrating a desire for transparency in both media and government.

The integration of video in podcasting, as platforms and creators aim to expand reach and engagement, mirrors this trend toward authenticity and visibility. Platforms like Spotify and content creators moving into video podcasts adapt to a preference for visual content and tap into the audience's demand for direct access to content and narrative formation. This shift towards visual podcasting and live government broadcasts caters to the public's desire for a clear view into processes themselves.

The Economist article and observations of local government initiatives highlight a societal shift towards transparency and direct engagement in media consumption and civic participation, and the increasing necessity of the same to provide legitimacy. This approach shows a reinforcement between podcasting's evolution and governmental transparency efforts. As each grows, the hope is that the combined impact will be positive on public trust and the perceived legitimacy of the public discourse essential to the preservation of democratic institutions.

New Perspectives on Black Hole Singularities.

From time to time, I link to an episode of PBS Space Time, a great short (~15 minutes) semi-weekly physics and astronomy "show" on Youtube. The most recent episode concerned the possibility that an improved understanding of the physics of black holes may eliminate the need for singularities, primarily due to the work of Roy Kerr. I link to the video on the right, and a brief review of what the episode discusses is below, although I strongly encourage you to watch the whole thing, as astrophysicist Matt O'Dowd is quite entertaining and can be downright funny.

O'Dowd begins by setting the stage for the importance of singularities in physics, highlighting how Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity led to the theoretical prediction of black holes and event horizons—surfaces from which nothing, not even light, can escape. This concept was further refined by Einstein's theory of general relativity, which suggested the existence of singularities at the centers of black holes, where the laws of physics as we know them break down due to infinite density and gravity. This clash between general relativity and quantum mechanics has troubled physicists for decades.

The narrative then delves into the contributions of Sir Roger Penrose, who in 1965 provided a theorem suggesting that singularities are an inevitable outcome of general relativity, a discovery that earned him the Nobel Prize in 2020. Penrose's theorem posited that the existence of an event horizon necessarily implies the presence of a singularity, thereby highlighting the fundamental conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics. This conflict has led to the search for a unified theory that could reconcile these discrepancies.

Roy Kerr's recent paper presents a potential breakthrough in understanding black holes, challenging the inevitability of singularities without resorting to quantum mechanics. Kerr, renowned for his work on the Kerr metric—a solution to Einstein's equations that describes rotating black holes—argues that singularities may not be a necessary feature of black holes. His work suggests that the mathematical interpretation of spacetime paths and geodesics inside black holes could have been misunderstood, pointing towards a possible resolution of the conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics without requiring singularities.

The episode explains the concept of geodesics, which are paths through spacetime that objects follow under the influence of gravity. Penrose's theorem argued that inside a black hole, these paths must converge and end, implying a singularity. However, Kerr's objection centers on the nature of these geodesic paths and their termination points, suggesting that the conclusion of singularities might be based on a misinterpretation of the mathematical framework of general relativity.

Kerr's argument is rooted in the distinction between null geodesics, which describe the paths of light and are critical to Penrose's theorem, and timelike geodesics, which describe the paths of matter. Kerr suggests that the termination of null geodesics inside a black hole does not necessarily imply the existence of a singularity. He argues that the affine parameters used to track the progress of light paths might not indicate a breakdown in the spacetime fabric, as previously thought.

Moreover, Kerr emphasizes the difference between idealized black holes, which have been the focus of much theoretical work, and real astrophysical black holes, which are likely to rotate. He argues that the singularities predicted by Penrose's theorem might not apply to these rotating black holes, which are better described by the Kerr metric. In rotating black holes, the supposed singularities could be avoided due to the spacetime dynamics induced by rotation.

The episode concludes by highlighting the significance of Kerr's work, suggesting it offers a path forward in understanding black holes without relying on singularities. This could fundamentally alter our theoretical approach to black holes, potentially paving the way for a new understanding of their interiors and the laws of physics that govern them. Kerr's challenge to the traditional view of singularities, in the view of O'Dowd, ignites a debate among physicists and encourages a further reevaluation of our understanding of one of the universe's most mysterious objects.

AI use in California Education.

Karen M. Rezendes, Esq.

Managing Partner, Lozano Smith.

Lozano Smith, an education law firm, did a podcast today, regarding the use of AI in education in California, and I put some notes together when listening to it. The discussion concerns the impact and integration of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, within public agencies and school districts. It was hosted by Karen Resendez, the managing partner at Lozano Smith, alongside Nick Clair, Rob Lomeli, and Karina Demirchian from the firm's artificial intelligence working group.

Generative AI, including systems capable of creating text, images, and videos, is spotlighted for its potential to mimic human reasoning and creativity. The conversation highlights the accessibility of AI tools, available in both free and paid versions, and stresses the crucial role of human oversight in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of AI-generated content. In practical applications, AI is being utilized in drafting ordinances and providing language translations for public meetings, as well as aiding educators and parents in developing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for students with disabilities. These examples underscore AI's utility in enhancing efficiency and inclusivity in educational and public services. However, the podcast also addresses significant concerns such as privacy, the risk of bias, and the phenomenon of AI "hallucinations," where the technology might produce inaccurate or fabricated information.

Legal considerations form a core part of the discussion, including the mention of a Biden Administration executive order aimed at regulating AI models and directing federal agencies, including the Department of Education, to develop regulations covering employment, bias, data privacy, and educational AI use within a year. Furthermore, about a dozen bills related to AI are being explored in the California legislature, indicating a proactive stance toward establishing guidelines on AI usage, its applications, and the types of AI systems that can be employed. The podcast reviews the potential legal risks and liabilities associated with AI use, including copyright issues and general liability for inaccuracies or harm resulting from AI-generated content. The panelists underscore the importance of public agencies maintaining a human in the loop for accountability and decision-making processes informed by AI.

Recommendations for public agencies include the establishment of policies and parameters for AI use, the importance of evaluating AI systems and use cases, and the necessity of hiring or consulting with experts to develop and adapt policies as AI technology evolves. Training for employees, staying abreast of developments in AI, and revising existing policies to address AI's impact are emphasized as critical steps for agencies. The concerns about privacy and bias are highlighted, advising against inputting personally identifiable information into AI systems, particularly free versions, and acknowledging the potential biases in AI responses due to the data on which they are trained.

The podcast is available at this link: Lozano Smith Podcast.

The State of Sonoma Valley.

This past Friday, in the State of the Valley address, newly appointed Mayor John Gurney, Council Member Sandra Lowe, and First District Supervisor Susan Gorin each provided insights into their visions and reflections on their terms. Gurney spoke candidly about the city's challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for community involvement and introducing fresh ideas on revenue and city services. Lowe emphasized the city's commitment to diversity and cultural engagement, while Gorin offered a retrospective of her tenure. Sonoma Valley Housing Group member Fred Allebach afterward provided a critical analysis, urging attention to systemic issues and advocating for a focus on socio-economic needs over new city departments. The speeches collectively painted a picture of Sonoma's past achievements and the road ahead, with a call for active community participation and inclusive growth.

Newly appointed Mayor John Gurney shared his perspectives on key city issues. He opened by acknowledging his recent marriage to Lita Davis, quickly transitioning to the challenges facing the city, including housing affordability and budgetary concerns. Gurney emphasized, "There is no simple answer," underlining the complexity of these issues.

Gurney highlighted the importance of community engagement, particularly involving the youth. He stated, "We need to start getting the younger generation in the community involved," stressing the necessity for their active participation in shaping Sonoma's future. On the topic of annexation, Gurney approached it as a necessary discussion for efficient service management, urging the community to openly consider it. "It's not to be feared," he said, addressing the common apprehensions around the subject.

Gurney also spoke about the city's staffing challenges, particularly in filling key positions, and the need for creating attractive job propositions. Additionally, he mentioned exploring new revenue measures to support enhanced city services, including parks and recreation. In conclusion, Gurney invited the community to actively participate in the upcoming council goal-setting session, emphasizing collaborative efforts. He thanked former Mayor Sandra Lowe for her leadership and expressed commitment to working with council members and the community for Sonoma's betterment.

Council Member Sandra Lowe also spoke, presenting her initiatives and experiences. She started by discussing the streamlining of business processes, mentioning, "We've cut red tape in Sacramento, making it easier for our local businesses." Lowe then talked about the role of arts in the community, citing her work with local art museum events. "Art brings us together, it speaks to our common experiences," she stated, highlighting the role of art in community cohesion.

Her speech also addressed the significance of diversity, particularly through LGBTQ events. "These events are not just about celebration; they're about recognition and inclusion," Lowe commented, pointing out the city's dedication to diversity. On city infrastructure, Lowe outlined improvements in public spaces and safety. "We've redesigned parks to be more family-friendly and boosted our public safety measures," she detailed. Concluding, Lowe focused on fiscal responsibility and city development. "It's not just about spending; it's about investing in our future," she noted.

Susan Gorin, the first district supervisor, took her opportunity to speak to highlight her tenure and significant community developments. She opened with a light-hearted remark about the attendance, "I was a little worried when I first came in... I think Chase [Hunter, a reporter] and I were the only people here." Reflecting on her service, Gorin stated, "It has been such an honor to represent you as the first district supervisor for a long time," and acknowledged her final term, "I'm in my last year of my third and final term."

Gorin proudly mentioned the transfer of undeveloped land to state parks, emphasizing its protection and future management, "It is a great day to know that that undeveloped land is protected, moving into state parks..." She also celebrated the opening of the East Sonoma County Services Center, a crucial step in improving community service accessibility. Highlighting the importance of teamwork, Gorin remarked, "It takes a village to support a supervisor." She concluded by emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in community service, "It is time to talk about shared services for sure." 

In a detailed commentary on the State of the Valley address, Sonoma Valley Housing Group member Fred Allebach shared his pointed observations. He noted a lack of focus on "systemic poverty and segregation," indicative of a surface-level treatment of the Valley's state. Addressing housing issues, he highlighted the affordability crisis, and brought attention to the Latino community, a significant part of the Valley's demographic and economic fabric, suggesting that their struggles were overlooked at the event.

He scrutinized the city's budget allocation, contrasting the high percentages for police and fire services with the smaller slice for planning. On homelessness, he questioned the practicality of the strategic plan, asking, "How do homeless know when it has been 32 degrees for three days?" Suggesting new revenue streams should focus on socio-economic needs first, he challenged the creation of a Parks and Rec Department, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the needs of lower-income populations.

Regarding annexation, Allebach's views were clear. He urged for an inclusive approach, arguing that annexation should not just be about services but also about equal representation, potentially reshaping the Valley's political landscape to include underrepresented voices. His commentary called for robust leadership akin to the Roseland annexation in Santa Rosa, underscoring the need for a strong campaign to address local inequities.

In the midst of these speeches, annexation emerged as a topic of considerable importance and debate. Mayor John Gurney encouraged an open dialogue, stressing that annexation should not be feared, but rather explored as a means to efficiently manage services. Fred Allebach added depth to the discussion, emphasizing the potential of annexation to address not only service provision but also equal representation, potentially reshaping the Valley's political landscape. As the community reflects on the State of the Valley address, the question of annexation remains a critical issue, highlighting the need for thoughtful consideration and robust public engagement in the path forward.

Questions from the Press, Monday, December 18, 2023.

Starting last Wednesday evening through Saturday morning, I got a series of emails from the Press Democrat/Sonoma Index-Tribune with questions about the Sonoma Valley Unified budget, the Sonoma Splash Memorandum of Use, SVUSD’s Special Education Plan, and trustees seeking compensation from the District. Because the four are related, I have answered them in one consolidated post. Photo is of Margie, who for Christmas could really use two front teeth. 

The problems with the SVUSD budget are straightforward. Accompanying the budget report are the SACS printouts. "SACS" is shorthand for Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS) Web financial reporting system, which allows for the preparation of budget, interim, and unaudited actuals reporting period data and reports that are submitted to oversight agencies and the California Department of Education (CDE). While the District puts out PowerPoint presentations with processed information, examining SACS allows for the review of the actual data. The SACS report forced SVUSD to explain why there are such large changes, leading to a massive projected deficit. 

On page 366 of the agenda, SVUSD gave a succinct explanation of the very large changes in the budget that have effectively eliminated the District's unrestricted reserves and dropped Sonoma Valley Unified into qualified status. "Expenditures were not budgeted accurately during budget development and are being corrected at First Interim." That is an understated explanation for a budget that was riddled with errors when presented, as previously discussed here. The trustees must demand balanced budgets, as the lack of rigor in the SVUSD budgeting process continues to plague the District.

These errors have comprehensively undermined our District's reporting of its condition to the public. However, the errors are not limited to the $1.4 million dollar loss due to SVUSD failing to file its transportation plan by the April 1, 2023 deadline, or the nearly $2 million underestimation of benefits, or the improper entry of more than a million dollars of expenses as revenue items (a negative number being entered as an expenditure). Instead there are structural problems with our actual revenues and expenses, rather than merely a mess of a projected budget for SVUSD, that demand action. 

First, the District is finally coming clean about its actual attendance. On page 357 of the agenda, SVUSD admitted that its actual attendance (ADA) for 2023-24 is 2,957, and not the 3,202 earlier reported. Attendance continues to drop exactly as projected by Davis Demographics, as discussed here. We have, as trustees, been notified of continuing serious problems with the financial and demographic data provided by our District, and SVUSD is now acknowledging its errors, which at a minimum is necessary before we begin to address the District's issues. 

Moving to further actual issues, after years of underpaying teachers, SVUSD finally has a contract in place that compensates educators appropriately, and due to "me too" clauses our classified staff and some administrators are now being paid in a manner reflective of their contributions to our community. However, this means that SVUSD needs to staff appropriately, as the consequences of overspending now become serious faster. This means that right-sizing the District promptly via realignment and school consolidation is ever more important, to cut waste. The District had an opportunity to do so this past March, and largely fumbled the chance to do so, although the end of enrollment at Dunbar and the consolidation of that site, essentially, into El Verano has provided some of the $3.2 million in savings that could have been achieved by moving to a 3 elementary-1 middle school-1 high school configuration (as has been recommended by staff). 

Make no mistake, both educational effectiveness, in terms of the special education plan, and addressing the financial problems in the District, depend upon reducing our footprint and maximizing administrative effectiveness as a consequence. Turning to our new special education plan, which I thank our educators for developing, I remain cognizant of the fact that our century-old District footprint disperses services, impacting the identification and support of special education students during elementary and middle school years. To effectively implement these new strategies, we must accelerate consolidation and realignment to apply our administrative resources effectively, otherwise we can only expect more of the same.

Similarly, the District must make sure it partners effectively with the community when District operations are obviously of dual use to Sonoma Valley at large, as SVUSD's unrestricted revenues need to be dedicated to educational purposes. The relationship with Sonoma Splash has, since its inception, been intended to ensure the cost of operating a community pool does not reduce the compensation of our teachers and staff. I commend Sonoma Splash for all their hard work. Splash specifically requested a modification of their MOU to allow them to expand their hours in furtherance of that mission, which they received on Thursday. However, Sonoma Splash is currently running at an untenable monthly deficit of tens of thousands of dollars, and given the District's own mismanaged finances, SVUSD cannot afford to operate the pool directly, meaning it is almost inevitable that the aquatic center's situation will be back before the Board for urgent discussions in the near future.

The process of drawing attention to the problems of waste and educational ineffectiveness in SVUSD has not been an easy one, as demonstrated here and here. During the realignment conversations this past March and April, a staff member of the District made public comments, specifically concerning me, that I brought directly, confidentially, to the attention of the superintendent. The comments from the staff member referenced the Board and the actions of certain Board members. That is precisely how a trustee should handle the improper conduct of a staff member. Make no mistake, the realignment process was deliberately brought to the attention of the board and the public because of the inevitable budget problems that would be created should nothing be done. 

The complaint was handled improperly, in violation of explicit District policies. I brought a closed session item in November to address the breach, which has led to the ending of the District's relationship with its former coordinator of investigations. The substance of those conversations cannot be disclosed by a trustee, and the board has not waived its right to those closed session protections. However, two of the trustees who are named, but were not the focus, have sought to make the process about them, and those trustees claimed that the board should waive the attorney client privilege regarding the report, so that they could review the matter privately, assuring that the report would not be published. 

However, the true motive for asking the board to waive the privilege was to cause a heavily redacted version of the investigation to be made public, and then seek money from SVUSD based upon the false light those trustees themselves sought to create. This was unprofessional, and has further undermined the integrity of our investigatory process. The report should not have been released in a fashion that would further intra-board conflict, and I am disappointed this was done. However, I am not surprised that the investigatory process is being weaponized, as it has happened before.

We as a District need our investigatory processes to function properly, as our students themselves depend on the integrity of those procedures when wronged. The defects with SVUSD's investigatory processes have been made clear in the context of this matter, and related litigation SVUSD has been engaged in recently. Further, the publication of some, but not all of the report by SVUSD, including covering up both the central part of the conduct that led to the process, and failing to disclose the improper behavior of the investigation coordinator, makes it unlikely that the procedure will help address wrongs in the future, and necessarily increasing polarization in our community and leading to a further lack of accountability. This is all to the detriment of our students. 

The board must get its budget under control. Balanced budgets should be required in the future, and deficit spending should only be allowed on a 4/5ths vote, as we cannot break this cycle of behavior without it. We must consolidate our schools to reflect the actual student population of our valley, rather than fitting our instructional program to an inherited set of real properties. The same set of trustees responsible for our fiscal fiasco must stop weaponizing the investigatory process to distract attention from the District's real problems. Only then can we continue to ensure our teachers and educators will receive the compensation they deserve.