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State propositions handled differently by local school boards
Oakland Tribune, Oct 21, 2005 by Linh Tat, STAFF WRITER
Local school boards and state educational agencies are weighing in on three statewide propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot, though they have reached different conclusions about how to address the measures.
The New Haven school board passed resolutions this month opposing Propositions 74, 75 and 76, while the Newark school board came out attacking Props. 74 and 76 but chose not to take a stance on Prop. 75.
The Fremont school board has not stated its position on any of the measures, though it will discuss Props. 74 and 76 next week.
Prop. 74 would increase new teachers' probationary period from two to five years and allow districts to fire a permanent teacher who has had two consecutive poor evaluations.
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Prop. 75 would require public employee unions to collect written consent from each member annually before using their dues for political activity.
Prop. 76 would allow the governor to reduce the minimum funding level for schools and permit the governor to make midyear budget cuts.
Newark school board President Nancy Thomas, who chose not to hold a discussion on Prop. 75 at Tuesday's meeting, said it would have been inappropriate to vote on a political issue that has no direct bearing on classrooms.
Fremont school board President Peggy Herndon agreed.
"Proposition 75 is not directly related to education. ... We normally would need to stay within our realm of jurisdiction," she said.
Both Thomas and Herndon said their boards generally follow the actions of the California School Boards Association, which has taken no position on Prop. 75.
The Association of California School Administrators, meanwhile, has come out against Props. 75 and 76 but is neutral on Prop. 74, a spokeswoman for the association said.
The idea that it would be improper for school boards to address Prop. 75 does not sit well with New Haven trustee Jenn Stringer.
"When things affect our teachers, they affect our students' education," Stringer said. "(The teachers union) uses its funds to be vocal about things that have to do with our students and their education," she said.
Every board needs to have a conversation (about Prop. 75) and make the decision that is right for them," she said.
Newark Trustee Ray Rodriguez, who opposes Prop. 75, said he wished the issue had at least appeared on the agenda at the last Newark meeting.
"It allows the board to discuss it and make a decision. I like having items discussed rather than someone else making the decision not to," he said.
Trustee Charlie Mensinger originally had asked Thomas to place a resolution opposing Prop. 75 on the agenda but later withdrew his request when he decided it was inappropriate for school boards to take sides on the matter.
Newark Trustee Janice Schaefer said she's comfortable with leaving the issue alone because, "I don't feel we should always be pushing our thoughts about the way to vote on other people."
However, if a board member asked to bring it up at the next meeting -- one week before voters take to the polls on Nov. 8 -- Schaefer said she would be fine with that as well.
"The president sets the agenda, but that doesn't silence the voice of the board. Board members can still make a request," she said.
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