Vista parent wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:01 AM:This is an important election for VUSD. When the Chamber of Commerce and PTA hold forums, I would urge voters to attend and familiarize themselves with the candidates so you vote knowledgeably. Let us hope everyone runs a clean and civilized campaign. We've made a name for ourselves in the past that doesn't exactly put Vista in it's best light.

Correction wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:35 AM:Neither Anderson nor Jaka are incumbents

Sam wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:23 AM:Glad to see VUSD Board member bailing out. The damage has been done. What next?

To Correction wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:41 PM:Who said they were? All I find in this article is that "Anderson, Fernandez and Jaka have run for the board before," a very correct statement. What is not mentioned in this article is that four years ago Fernandez placed 4th in a 3 seat race (approximately 1000 votes below the 3rd place winner), two years ago Anderson placed 3rd in a two seat race (approximately 400 votes behind the 2nd place winner), and two years ago Jaka placed dead last with around 2000 votes total (more than 4000 votes behind the 2nd place winner). With Hubbard out of the race the historical odds would tend to favor Anderson and Fernandez. But, as these races are always so politically charged, and with the Union's backing often playing a strategic role, it is hard to predict so early. Of course, one never knows with the Union, they may well have asked Anderson to run so as to show the public they are paying attention to what the public is saying: It's time for a change in leadership!

COOLLLLLL wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:08 PM:Yeah!!!!! Patty Anderson!!!!

To To Correction wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:41 PM:Read on to the end of the article. It lists all candidates. Listing the error of the incumbants.

Let us remember... History never repeats itself. Every elections results are different. A lot can change in two years.

Let's hope the public can realize that Change is Good!!!

Fridged Mike wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:56 AM:Alright!!!!! Jaka!!!!! She's got my vote again.

Vista Mom wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:18 AM:This years challengers will have a lot to say. Please listen.

Remember: You can't teach an OLD DOG new tricks!!!!

Vote them Out.... wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:34 AM:VUSD needs a huge change. Starting at the top... Vote the incumbents out as a start... New ideas and voices are need to start the healing process that this board and administration has created...
Vote, Vote, Vote....

Alejandro wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:05 PM:Just about time to move to a new era, Hubbard will be gone, Cowles is gone hope and change will be come.

Alejandro wrote on Aug 13, 2008 1:11 PM:Any one who run's for VUSD board must concider first who are they going to serve? and why? our children and our future generations depend on their decission, decission making by themselves not for any group private or religiuos, welcome to equality and justice for all.

Vista Teacher wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:27 PM:I and my fellow union teachers are reviewing our choices. It is a grassroots movement and we will do what we can to have our money spent they way we want, and NOT the way it has in the past! REAL Teachers just want to teach and so we need a board that will support us in doing our job!

Good News wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:33 PM:Vote Chunka and Jaka! Definitly time for a change. Bales and Board too arrogant and egotistical to remain in Vista. We need people who are reasonable and in touch with the community, parents and the district workers. VOTE! One down, at least two more to go.

Vista Watchdog wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:35 PM:Wasn't Jaka a supporter of David Hubbard? I could swear I heard her support him in the past, including at board meetings and PTA meetings. So, why should we support someone who has been a supporter of the past majority? If we desire change, don't we need to vote for new people who support quality education and fiscal responsibility as opposed to simply electing the parent of some child currently attending one of VUSD's failing schools? Think about this if you must: how good would someone be at turning around a failing district if they weren't willing to do the responsible thing for their own children and get them out of the failed schools and into something better? Can we really trust a parent who has for so many years tried to claim that the schools are good enough for their children and yet still call for change in the board because the schools are failing? Yes, VUSD has a problem in its board and that problem is that it has had the wrong focus for too long and continues to fight like a bunch of Jr. High kids out on the playground!

Vote for Committed Community Members wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:01 PM:If you look at the 4 not currently on the Board, 2 of them have dedicated themselves to this District, and in particular the students, by sitting on numerous committees for years and years. When I think about what's best for the children of this District - which should be everyone's top priority - I think about the dedication of Chunka and Jaka. It would be in the best intersts for all stakeholders of this District to have these 2 fine women as Board reps.

If you want change get Obama wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:41 AM:Good News- we need change but Chunka and Jaka are same old, same old, same old. These election of these ladies would be the final brow for VUSD before the state takes over.

To Committed wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:15 PM:And I have to take it from your comment that someone who has committed their life to education, teaching thousands of students, including teaching teachers, is less qualified than someone with little education who has nothing better to do than ask their buddies to appoint them to committees? Who is better qualified to help a failing educational institution: a parent who has spent the last several years on committees that have contributed to the failure of the institution, or someone who has spent the last several years in the classroom at growing and thriving institutions of higher learning?
By they way, I happen to be a teacher at VUSD and know first hand how these committees have interfeared with my freedom to teach! And NO, I'm NOT Vista Teacher - but I would sure like to meet her!

Change and Hope wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:22 PM:Vote for change, because change brings hope and hope is what we all need. Change is like a fresh and different way of doing things, and freshness is always sweet and good. I hope you all vote for change as our schools need change and hope.

To To Committed wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:58 PM:You're a teacher and you can't spell "interfere"?

If you are a teacher I'm sure you know that working on site committees has more to do with what's going on at a specific site as opposed to the decision-making that takes place at the District level. There are successful school sites and struggling sites in this District and much of that success or lack thereof, has to do with the parent involvement that takes place on a given site.

My vote is with people who care about this District - who have children in this District - and fight to make the District a better place by participating in the classroom and on school committees. Not someone who chooses to have their children homeschooled or in private school, and has little, if any, direct involvement in the District.

There is a saying by Albert Einstein that "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." Formal education does not necesarily mean educated.

To Committed wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:18 PM:And you are attempting to say that involvement in committees, (the number of which can be counted) counts for something? You see the problem with your quote from Einstein is that you have taken it out context and attempted to apply it to something that it was never intended to be applied to. Therefore, it can and will be used against you.
As for you comment about homeschooling and private schooling: do you realize the level of sacrifice that parents make to put their children into a private school or to homeschool? As a parent it is your responsibility to everything within your power to provide the best education you can for your child/children. There is NO law that state you must put your children in a Public school. And, when that public school is failing it is your responsibility to consider your options. Now, as for the taxes we all pay, it does not matter if we have children or not, if they are grown or not, or if they attend the public schools or not, we still must pay those taxes. It is also the law that we have the right to run for office and to see that our tax dollars are being spent wisely. As Americans we all have a responsibility to see to it that ALL children receive the best education that our tax dollars can provide. So, there is no requirement that we have any involvement with the schools to be qualified to direct them. You will also note that there is no requirement for teachers to have children, live within the district, or place their children in public schools. Yet, these very same teachers are teaching every day within our district. So, while you and those whom you are supporting have been working so hard on committees the quality of the education provided by VUSD has fallen or stagnated. It is obvious from your adamant opposition to new blood that you really have no true desire to see an active educator on the board. Which causes me to wonder what you are afraid of! Could it be that a REAL educator might actually see what has been done wrong of late, and that your pet projects might be found wanting? We have had it your way for 14 years and seen nothing but degradation of our schools. Why not try a little change and see what a professional educator can bring? Or is that too threatening?

Vista Teacher wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:42 PM:In response to: To To Committed

Last time I checked ALL my fellow teachers teaching your children received a "Formal Education." Are you implying that we are not educated?

You have seriously insulted all of us, and yet you ask us to support you and your candidate of choice.

What we are attempting to supply to your children is a "Formal Education" and instill within them a respect for, and desire to obtain more, "Formal Education." It has been my experience that “street smarts” only take you so far, while a “Formal Education” has the potential to take you to the stars! I'll back those who have received, and who support, “Formal Education” any day of the week over those who mock such things!

Enough said,
VT

to Vote for Committed ... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:35 PM:"2 of them have dedicated themselves to this District, and in particular the students, by sitting on numerous committees for years and years."

Are these the same years and years during which VUSD declined from #1 in the County to DEAD last? The same years and years during which VUSD won the unenviable position of having 1/3 of all the sanctioned schools in the county? What responsibility will these two take for this, or will they attempt to blame others for these failures? Turning around a failed organization begins with admitting you have a problem; realising that what has been done in the past is NOT working, and then cleaning house and rebuilding a quality organization that delivers a quality product! Do these two have any real experience in change management, or are they simply part of the problem that has plagued this district for years and years?

To Committed wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:58 PM:Yes, I "know that working on site committees has more to do with what's going on at a specific site as opposed to the decision-making that takes place at the District level." That is exactly why I question Chunka's and Jaka's ability to sit on the board as they are legally responsible for District Level decision-making, which often times is very much different than those decisions made at lower levels. Involvement in committees is no indication of ability to make the tough decisions that must be made at the District level, and having a child in the schools for which your decision will impact could be considered a legal "conflict of interest" and thus you would be required to abstain from voting, or face the possibility of the Public moving to have your vote overturned or having you removed from the board for that conflict of interest. So, you might want to rethink your support of two parents whose decision making would inevitably be tainted/biased toward their own children as opposed to ensuring equal application of the law and funding to ALL students!

Vista Mom wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:44 AM:"Do switch horses in the middle of a stream if the one you are riding is going under and taking you with it!"

Vote for Change!!!! Chunka has what it takes to be an effective leader.

She has my vote!

To Vista Mom wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:42 AM:Please explain how elevating someone who has been on committees for years and years of district decline is switching horses?
It looks to me like you are simply choosing to grab hold of the dead-weight horse that is dragging down your horse.

To Vista Mom wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:52 PM:So you are supporting yourself and Chunka. Got any other great ideas for improving the quality of education for ALL Students at VUSD?

Ive heard of these wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:17 PM:candidates speak before - one during the 2004 election and the other during the 2006 election (not Chunka or Jaka). I hope those of you who are bashing Jaka and Chunka hold Fernandez to the same standard. I don't believe she is a college graduate and from what I heard her say during the 2004 election forum, she has very limited hands on experience in this District.

How about.... wrote on Aug 16, 2008 5:34 PM:avoiding candidates whose agenda it is to dismantle public education?

Vista Mom wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:48 AM:choosing candidates whose agenda is to promote PUBLIC Education is a move in the right direction.

Would you keep taking your child to the same "Doc" for years and still not know what is wrong with them??? It is time to make the right choice to help your child not the doctors pocket!

Vista Mom wrote on Aug 17, 2008 11:13 AM:To: To Vista Mom

Thank you for agreeing with me that there are "years of district decline".

We must remember that the "Final" decisions are being made by the Board (not necessarily unanimously) and the well researched recommendations of committees aren't always listened to.

Voting for change is my idea of switching to a stronger horse that will carry me to the other side.

(I'll throw you a safety ring when I get there.)

Samuel wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:02 PM:kmcsrIn 2004 Fernandez received 12,480 (14,75%) of the votes in her first race. In 2006 Jaka received 3,666 (8%) of the votes in her first race. It seems that Ms. Fernandez must have impressed many more voters than Ms. Jaka did. I am acquainted with both ladies. I believe that Ms. Fernandez will maintain an open mind on the issues. I can not say the same for Ms. Jaka.

To Vista Mom wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:38 PM:no need for the saftey ring, I've already arrived on the other side and have been trying to show you and the board the way across this divide. Unfortunately you continue to have your own ideas as to how to achieve this goal.
If you've spent any time studying School Boards (especially VUSD), you'd know it only takes 3 votes out of 5 to pass most things. Those three votes have been controlled by one primary organization for 14 years of decline, while the other two votes have spent years and years trying to make changes that would get your horse out of the water it is in and onto dry land.
So, again I ask you how being on committees and councils for years and years during the decline of VUSD would qualify you or your candidates for sitting on the Board. Obviously the three person majority (backed by the VTA and PTA) has not agreed with your positions from these committees/councils. Yet you continue to oppose those who have also opposed those who have ignored you and your candidates' committee recommendations. Are you trying to say you have a third way of approaching things? If so, are you certain that these suggestions are within the laws of the state as defined in Ed. Code? Maybe, just maybe your ideas have been rejected because they don't meet with Ed. Code, or maybe professional educators know that your ideas have been tried before and don't work. Don't reject a professional educator out right, for if you do you insult all the teachers that will be working for you should you actually get on the board. And that is no way to Unify your support!

To Vista Mom wrote on Aug 17, 2008 3:54 PM:Promoting Public Education or promoting "Quality" Education? Which one is it? Public education as it is today in CA is less than satisfactory. If dismantling Public Education means dismantling the travesty that we have in our Public Schools today and rebuilding what we once had, then I'm all for that dismantling.
As for changing horse mid-stream, you need first to be certain that the direction you are travelling is the right direction. The horse you are on could well be floundering because you are crossing the wrong stream or in the wrong place, and the horse may well know better than you. Remember, that horse has spent its whole life carrying riders like you. But, how long have you been riding horses? Also, horses often know (because it's their feet touching the bottom of the stream) what is under the water. You on the other hand, riding so high up on your horse, have no a clue as to what is down there causing all the problems. A smart horse would throw its rider at this point in order to save itself. And changing horses mid-stream is often a very dangerous maneuver that can very easily lose you, the horse you were riding, and all the possessions you had with you. You better think again before you make that jump! (Remember, there are a lot of us here in Vista who own and ride horses!).