Cheers to Deborah Flores, the new superintendent of Gilroy
schools, who masterfully engineered a compromise during her first
meeting.
The following organizations and individuals deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: to Deborah Flores, the new superintendent of Gilroy schools, who masterfully engineered a compromise that provides computers at seven schools. Seeing a divided board – one side comprised of three members who wanted to wait until staff supplied information on the effectiveness of computers in classrooms. The other three members were content to vote for the resolution. Flores reorganized the resolution, satisfying five of six trustees; Rhoda Bress dissented.
The end result: the number of computers was reduced from 678 to 578 and cost of $406,000.
JEERS to the school district for its lack of communication with the parents of autistic children. After a verbal promise this spring of a new all-autistic class, district staff has not responded to the parents, who say the administration’s silence will not deter them. “In my mind, promises were made,” said Angela Perryman, the mother of a 6-year-old autistic boy.
CHEERS: to the Hollister motorcycle rally, which by all counts, was a successful event. More than 100,000 people cruised through town, enjoying the food, vendors, music and other entertainment. Although scores of arrests were made, the event proved peaceful and fun.
JEERS to Santa Clara Valley Water District CEO Stan Williams, who – unbeknownst to the board of directors – hired board member Gregory Zlotnick for a lucrative position as special counsel to the CEO for strategic planning. Williams chose Zlotnick without posting the job or interviewing any other candidates, but still said he selected the best man for the job. Really? How would anyone know? Now board members say they will explore hiring practices at the district. A little like shutting the barn door after the cow has escaped – and smacks of classic cronyism, eh?
JEERS to Gilroy residents. When time comes to offer input on what traits the new police chief should possess, five people showed up at a Tuesday night public hearing.
It’s going to be hard to complain after the fact when your chance to offer guidance came and went.
CHEERS: to the 50 or so residents who attended Wednesday night’s public hearing on how the city intends to finance a purchase of Gilroy Gardens, should the city council approve the move. That input will prove valuable as councilmembers debate the question of whether or not to buy the 546-acre park. Residents will have a second chance to voice opinions at an Aug. 6 meeting. Officials plan to take a final vote on the deal in September.
