Gomer wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:50 PM:What a surprise, surprise, surprise...

They will surely loose

TaxPayer wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:26 PM:The unions just told me who to vote for.
Dr. Stephen Guffanti, Patty Anderson and Eileen Fernandez.

Taxpayer too wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:15 PM:The Unions just told me who to vote for.
Dr. Steve Lilly, Angela Chunka and Elizabeth Jaka!!

I second that wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:19 PM:I'll go with the union candidates,
Dr. Lilly, Angela Chunka, and Elizabeth Jaka.

Reason wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:28 PM:Let's see the unions want an instruction aide and a retired preschool teacher who insisted that the new high school be the last project built. And then voted 20 out of 21 projects over budget. When are we going to get someone who cares about the kids and the taxpayers? Oh! That would be Anderson, Fernandez and Guffanti.

To Reason wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:14 PM:What are Fernandez' credentials that make her so qualified, and Guffanti sells a phonics program, amd speaks at homeschool conferences, I thought he was an MD not a PHD! Anderson, is a part time college instructor, at least she's in education, but no more qualified than Chunka and Jaka.

I Trust wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:29 PM:the Unions!

Dr. Lilly, Angela Chunka, and Elizabeth Jaka have my vote.

They care about all students, parents, teachers, and staff.

Great Job Unions. Great choice!!

Hello To Reason wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:38 AM:Let's look at the facts. Fact: Dr. Guffanti is a MD who actually cares about helping children to read so much that he helps people across the country who have made the commitment to their children to home school them because the Public School System is failing in providing their children a quality education. Fact: Patty Anderson is a Master's Educated Teacher (one of your own whom you didn't support, shame on you VTA/CSEA) who has opened up educational opportunities for VUSD children and teachers. Fact: Eileen Fernandez is a community member who wants to help change a system so that the most important and valuable asset that we have is taken care of - the students. Now, I know that Jaka may be a parent in the district, but she is part of the dismantling of the Honors Program at the Middle School level and she was on the Bond Oversight Committee that put off building Mission Vista High School (Trailer Park High) until there wasn't enough money left in the coffers to build it. Lilly also voted for a Dual Magnet High School, no matter what the cost. He knew that enrollment is declining, yet he still voted for it. (oops, forgot VTA supported). And Chunka, well it isn't known what she will do or really has done other than be a parent of a student and an instructional aide. So, three candidates (Anderson, Fernandez, and Guffanti) who care about the children of VUSD learning to read, write, and speak English. Or, three candidates (Chunka, Jaka, Lilly) who are VTA/CSEA puppets? What is going to be your choice? I know mine.

To I trust wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:03 AM:The unions are in it for the money. Owning both sides of the bargaining table when negotiating a $100 million contract is why VUSD has a deficit budget this year. It makes sense from there point of view. Last election they took $9 million out of the reserve for their raise. Is it any wonder why they hold off signing a contract until election time? Heck, a $90,000 campaign spending for a $9 million return is definitely worth it to them. The only problem is that they don't want the kids to read. As Randy Weins said, "Lindamood Bell is getting my raise." So this election is about do we want to continue the growth VUSD has seen or do we want to return to methods that failed nearly two thirds of the students?

To to Reason wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:19 AM:In Guffanti's last term students reading at or above grade level went from 37% in 2004 to 49% in 2008. If you want kids to read, write and speak English his results are his qualifications. In fact the same could be said for Lilly. A college instructor knows more of what is needed to prepare these students for college than a preschool teacher. As for Chunka she had the Dr. Bales', our superintendent, representatives removed from her PTA meeting. Her agenda clearly doesn't include working with Dr. Bales who is spearheading our increase in literacy.

Lisa wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:46 AM:Bashing day care workers, instructional aides, teachers, and the classified employees that have endorsed Lilly, Chunka, and Jaka? Bad idea, you have just insulted the very people who will be casting their votes in November.Keep it up, your showing your true colors.

Lisa wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:19 AM:I have seen the true colors of the VTA and PTA premadas and it is not good.

I would need to be locked up if I were to vote for these VTA endorsements.

To Lisa wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:33 AM:No one is bashing them, just stating the facts as they are on the record. Go and get the tapes of the Board Meetings and you will find out the truth. The problem is that most people won't take the time to find out the truth behind the false accusations of these blogs, they will just believe the rhetoric.

Vista Parent wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:41 AM:Now that the students are finally getting the education they deserve the VTA wants to change that and go back to the "good ol boys" regime that was in place with Cowels. Anyone remember that? We have a superintendent who actually cares about the welfare of our kids and the VTA doesn't like that. Getting all the students in the VUSD to read should be the goal of the VTA as well as the VUSD.
When I had problems with teachers, principals and even administration years ago, the only person on the school board that offered any help at all was Guffanti. Not Cowels, not Herrera, not Hubbard and certinaly not Lilly. Guffanti gets my vote!!!!

Lisa wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:55 AM:I've been to the board meetings, I know the truth! I wonder if "your" candidates were endorsed by the unions, Would you be bashing day care workers, instructional aides and the classified employees I highly doubt it! So you can try to smooth over what your saying, but it won't work.

How quickly we forget... wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:49 AM:Has everyone forgotten the RBV Leo Fletes debacle? ANYONE BUT GUFFANTI is my mantra...! Why would ANYONE think of re-electing this ...? ANYONE BUT GUFFANTI!

To Lisa wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:02 AM:One of "our" candidates is a former bus driver (CSEA Member) and current Educator (CTA Member), who was willing to accept an endorsement from the Unions. But the Unions chose to snub one of their own. When she wins you can be certain that her vote will not be out of favortism to the Unions. Rather, it will be toward the needs of the students and Real Teachers whose performance is providing quality education.
What really have your two candidates done other than sit on committees that have been a part of the decline of VUSD?

No we have not forgotten wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:03 AM:how the Union back a Teacher who used his position and influence to profit from his wife's business.

Easy Choice for Unions wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:27 AM:The choice of candidates was easy. Who will give the union members the most money. That's what unions do. Nothing more; nothing less.

Hopefully most will decide based on something other than this endorsement.

duplicitus wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:29 AM:Will Patty Anderson's current campaign signs also claim she is teacher supported as did her campaign signs of two years ago? Seems to me that someone who cannot get the endorsement of the teacher's either last time or this time should not pretend to be supported by them on her campaign signs.

Mr. Science wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:35 AM:Since young earth creationism has been an underlying theme of the "anti" group for the last decade or so, shouldn't we know where the various candidates stand on teaching fact based science in our schools? I would think a science teacher at a local community college would have no difficulty declaring her determination to have only fact based science taught in our classrooms. I do wonder where Patty Anderson stands on this issue. If she gets on the board I hope there are no further board policies mandating the teaching of creationism in VUSD.

Parent of VUSD students wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:43 AM:My children attended VUSD schools from kindergaren to graduation from high school. I met all (well most) of my children's teachers. I went to Back to School nights, parent conferences, and Open Houses. I joined the PTA every single year. I went visited all the campuses my children were to attend even before they were old enough to attend.

Having children in VUSD schools sure helped me to understand the educational programs and the quality of the teachers.

I was very happy with the quality of education my children obtained and the professionalism and dedication shown by their teachers.

I wonder if someone who does NOT and NEVER did have their children in a VUSD school can really understand the needs of VUSD schools and the children they educate.

former PAC member wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:06 AM:During the endorsement process for school board members neither salaries nor benefits are ever mentioned--not in the candidate questions, not in the discussion.

The slanderous and despicable charge that teachers are selecting candidates so they can get big pay raises is given lie to by the fact that during the fourteen years that the VTA has been forced to endorse school board candidates the salaries of VUSD teachers has fallen from third highest to one of the lowest in the county. VTA only goal is to find candidates that support public education.

VTA was forced to form a Political Action Committee and to participate in local school board politics only after a gang of three stealth candidates seized the majority on our VUSD board in 1992. Immediately upon being seated, they put creationism on the VUSD school board agenda. By the second meeting the elimination of all contraception information from the sex ed program came up. Shortly they started turning down millions of dollars of federal grants that could have helped VUSD students. They did not believe in federal government giving money to local schools.

When it became painfully clear that the number one priority of the "anti" group of three was an extremist political agenda and not the education of our VUSD students, a community led recall was started. The union joined that recall effort months later.

From that time until now, the "anti" have tried to regain the majority on our board. So far they have failed.

The teachers of this district would be thrilled to get out of local politics but the last time we took no action, chaos ensued. Our extremist board and their "anti" agenda made headlines in major newspapers across this country. Vista became infamous as one of "those" places. No one wants that to happen again—not teachers or parents and especially not local businesses.

Notice that the not-endorsed candidates raise all their overwhelming and massive funds from OUTSIDE the district. Local businesses do not support the "anti" group. Chaos is not good for business.

vta-jaka-chunka wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:05 PM:abouta tima mama mia

TaxPayer wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:09 PM:The labor union will only pick candidates who will vote them more money. we need trustee who will support and represent tax payers and parents. I will be voting for, Guffanti, Anderson and Eileen Fernandez.

Eric wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:09 PM:Anyone who would support the candidates supported by Big Labor need theirheads examined. The teacher unions and their ilk have ruined our public education system and should not even be allowed to directly impact an election that can benefit them financaily. I loved ronald REagn but when he signed legilsation in 1968 that gave public sector workers the right to unionize he began this state down the long road to ruination that only today seems so obvious.

I Trust wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:25 PM:that the Teachers are doing their jobs. Test scores are rising because of the exceptional work by the teachers, backed by the parents! Give credit where it is due. To the teachers!! Mr. Gufanti isn't teaching my child how to read, the teacher is. The increase percentages you quote are not because of Gufanti.

Again I say wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:24 PM:Please support Jim Gibson for Oceanside City Council. He will be missed as VUSD trustee, but his efforts will not be forgotten, and his sphere of influence will change dramatically.

VUSD parent wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:37 PM:I to "Trust" the teachers, and will carry my trust to the polls. Thanks to Angela Chunka, Elizabeth Jaka, and Dr. Lilly, for caring enough about the quality of our schools to run for school board. Now let's bring it home!!

No To Unions wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:58 PM:Unions aren't for the people they're supposed to represent ... they are for the money they can bring into their own organization. I would never belong to one and would never trust them to look out for me. Vote for their picks? While I certainly look into the candidates ... a union endorsement is actually something I consider to be negative when I make my choices.

Former Employee wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:00 PM:It is interesting you are bashing the teachers that teach your students on less than most other district's salaries. VUSD is one of the worst paid in North County and tens of thousands less than Riverside County. These teachers are living in an area that they cannot afford, but they still are dedicated to teaching your children. Maybe you should try working with the staff instead of bashing them. Educating students only works if the community (teachers, parents, and adminstrators) puts the well being of children first. VUSD has never had a community effort which is why the conflicts in this area never cease. Maybe if all could leave their own interests behind, the district could start with a common goal. Remember the people who actually spend the time and care about your children..the classified staff and teachers.

Vista concerned citizen wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:06 PM:It is sad that the unions are bashed as being out only for themselves. What about the bouquet of roses they received in this paper the other day for their scholarship fund? The VTA members give more money to STUDENT scholarships then any other local in San Diego County. The teachers are the union, they care about their students and they put their money, their time and their dedication to protecting the education of every student in VUSD. I support the teachers' choice, Jaka, Lilly and Chunka. I know that they care about our children.

To Eric wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:12 PM:Ronald Reagan?... wasn't he the president who put this country in debt in the trillions for his (failed) "star wars" (SDI) program? Oh, thank you! And, wasn't it on his watch that the AIDs crisis got literally no attention, because "that's what they get for being that way?" And, wasn't it on his watch that the homeless situation exploded - from taking away $$ from human care agencies to give to defense? And the SDI program STILL doesn't work. And wasn't it on his watch that we (illegally) sold weapons to a rogue nation to fund a war in Central America? I can definitely see why you admire him.....

If you support Public Ed wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:30 PM:vote Lily, Chunka, and Jaka. Guffanti is interested in dismantling public education, as witnessed by his support in advocating school vouchers and favoring charter schools.

It is easy for the "anti" group to say that the VTA is evil and interested only in getting more $$, but the fact of the matter is that the VTA is really just the nucleus of people who teach in the VUSD; people who genuinely care about students and parents and community.

My children also went to school K-12 in this district, and with the exception of a couple of lemons, had awesome mentors throughout their educational experience. I cannot imagine a private insitution giving them a more well-rounded experience. Private schools are not reflective of society, which fails to adequately prepare kids for what they will inevitably face in the future.

Thank you to the teachers at Bobier, Beaumont, Lincoln Middle School, and Vista High School.

Eileen wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:38 PM:Will someone please tell me what her qualifications for holding this post are? I'm only hearing about the qualifications for Gufanti and Anderson.

To Vista Parent wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:42 PM:Maybe Lilly and Herrera didn't help you "years ago" because they weren't on the Board yet.

Since she's been on the Board, Herrera (former teacher - in both public and private sectors - and principal) has been the strongest student advocate on the Board. Thank goodness for her!

to Parent of VUSD students wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:45 AM:"I wonder if someone who does NOT and NEVER did have their children in a VUSD school can really understand the needs of VUSD schools and the children they educate."

Then DON'T Vote for Lilly! HE NEVER HAD ANY CHILDREN IN VUSD!

jvc wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:15 AM:No union endorsement of board members should be permitted as this would be a conflict of interest and works against the interest of the electorate
to properly select board members that work for the interest of the district
versus a special interest group!We must elect board members that are working
to provide for the well being of the students and not teacher's unions!We
must outlaw the political influence by
powerful public unions in the electoral process,a public union that exist to serve their self-serving agendas!

To I Trust wrote on Sep 5, 2008 6:49 AM:You are right, Dr. Guffanti hasn't been in the classroom teaching your child. That being said, he has been on the Board that has fought to keep reading and speaking English in the forefront and that is why he deserves our support. There was a unanimous decision to bring Dr. Bales to VUSD and to support Linda Mood Bell to help children who were not responding to the current program to improve. The VTA is just trying to put fear where there is no need for fear about a repeat of 1992. The current candidates are more interested in making sure that ALL children of VUSD are able to read, write, and speak English. Is this the VTA's goals? I don't think so based on their response to Linda Mood Bell and the bilingual program.

Anti Union wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:54 AM:How about we dismantle the union? Does anyone think that an educational system should be bought and paid for and strong armed by Liberal left wingers? Since the 60's and the rise of the NEA and Teacher's Unions, the educational system in America has been in a STEADY decline. WHY can no one recognize this? I say bring on vouchers, DEMAND excellence and accountability. Schools are to be places of EDUCATION not socialization and indoctrination. Don't our students deserve better?

Lisa wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:18 AM:What are you guys kidding? Don't vote for DR. Lilly, a PHD in education, the former Dean of Education at CSUSM? Instead vote for DR. Guffanti, who is a retired MD, never taught a minute in a classroom? Wow, now that's a stretch.

Samuel to Lisa wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:21 AM:Dr. Guffanti has not retired as a medical doctor. Why would you make such a statement without verification unless your motives are questionable at best?

TO TO ERIC wrote on Sep 5, 2008 11:56 AM:Any good poker player should recognize star wars (SDI) was a sucess for what it did accomplish. SDI was one of the programs that brought the U.S.S.R.to an end. An end that did not include the armageddon war many were predicting.How many trillions of dollars would that have cost. Aids was then and is now a lifestyle problem not a sex orientational issue. Sorry this letter is so far from the subject some comets beg responce.

To Samuel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:09 PM:Really? Haven't heard where he is practicing medicine in years, but I did hear he speaks to homeschool workshops, and has promoted his phonics program. In fact on google only articles that come up are homeschool workshops. So where does he practice medicine?

Samuel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:45 PM:This has been covered numerous times before but I can understand that new bloggers wouldn’t have seen this before. Dr. Guffanti fills in as needed in various medical facilities. Staff doctors do go on vacations not to mention the various seminars that they must attend to maintain their ongoing learning requirements. There are times when medical facilities simply get over loaded and need extra help. This is the niche that the Doctor fills. It seems to me that this type of practice would require an individual of high intellect and dedication. And, yes he is also dedicated to education. This is why he has the phonics business and does other things related to education. It sure seems to me that this type of a person is well qualified to be reelected to the Board in November.

I Trust wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:18 PM:Is Gufanti waiting for the Linda Mood Bell program to fail so that he can sell his to the district??

Maybe the Hospital Board needs a new member.

Sorry but... Not Hooked On Phonics or Gufanti!!

To Samuel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 9:51 PM:So let me get this straight... Dr. Guffanti is a "substitute" doctor??? He fills in when real doctors are on vacation or at seminars?? And to think it's his "DR" title that so naively impresses voters.

Samuel wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:37 PM:I really don’t understand what your problem is with Dr. Guffanti. I will try one more time. He followed the same route as anyone who has earned a MD. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree, went to medical school, completed his internship and was finally awarded his MD. There have been several programs on TV following students through this very tough regimen and there is no question that it is a very difficult journey. Dr. Guffanti is filling a needed niche in the medical field. Yes, I believe that his medical doctor title should impress voters. If you feel that you need to keep subject going please continue. I have a feeling others are also shaking their heads wondering why someone feels it is necessary to try and besmirch a good man. To Dr. Guffanti’s family—don’t pay any attention to these blogs. Some people are just this way.

Lisa wrote on Sep 6, 2008 7:42 AM:I've never heard of a substitute MD, I'm glad I've never HAD a substitute MD. When will the Guffanti backers see him for what he really is... ?

Lisa wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:36 AM:"Substitute" DR? I've heard of substitute teachers but DR's? Don't think I want one!

Taxpayer to Lisa wrote on Sep 6, 2008 5:48 PM:Please advise your belief or opinion of who or “what” Dr. Guffanti “really is”. Please furnish documentation or evidence that supports your opinion. You and I are lucky in that we’ve only been seen by our regular doctors. However, there is one area in medical treatment where we could be treated by a stranger and that is an Emergency Room setting. And, one thing Samuel did not mention is Dr. Guffanti has worked quite extensively in Emergency Rooms of various facilities. This is a specialty that requires special training and education.

To Lisa wrote on Sep 7, 2008 12:48 AM:Ok, I believe that you are having a problem with respect. You may have your opinions as this is a free country, but when you slander Dr. Guffanti's occupation, I take offense. He has chosen to practice his profession on his own terms and it is no different than if a teacher decided to substitute teach instead of teaching full time to fit their needs. It has no bearing on his position as a Board Member. But for some odd reason you seem to think so. Guess what, people see you for what you really are. A very small minded person. This man as a Board Member has made himself available to parents, teachers, and anyone else who requests his support in a situation. Dr. Guffanti is concerned with the ability of all children to read and write at grade level in VUSD and yes he supports Linda Mood Bell because the results are beginning to show. So, Lisa, it is time to move on to a new subject. How about why don't we hear from VTA candidates about support for all children of the district being able to read at grade level or above? Now that would be something of value to talk about! Not this personal vendetta against a man who just wants to help the children of this District which he serves.

Lisa wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:04 AM:Boy, I must have hit a nerve, I figured fair was fair, since certain people want to dis instructional aides and daycare workers, I thought I'd even the playing field, doesn't feel so great does it? So,no matter your career, what will you do for the kids of VUSD?

Taxpayer to Lisa wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:18 PM:I apologize for the poor wording of my question. Let me reword my request thusly: Please explain what you meant when you said “when will the Guffanti backers see him for what he really is?” Please provide us with the information that supports your comment. If you can not furnish this information or choose not to I agree with the 12:48 AM submitter that it is time to move on to another subject. There is one last question however. Could you please explain how Dr. Guffanti, either as an individual or one of a two-person minority on many 3-2 votes, has adversely affected the VTA as an organization or teachers individually? If such decisions were made by the Board at least one of the three-person majority that the unions supported had to have cast the deciding vote. Why not investigate those votes and document who did not support the teachers? Just a thought.

To Lisa again... wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:30 PM:No one has come out and "bashed" day care providers or instructional aides. What has been said in all of the blogs is that their track record doesn't support their claims of making a difference in the district. Now, that being said. You attacked Dr. Guffanti on a personal level and that is just plain disrespectful to me and it is wrong. I had hoped that people who are running in this election would be able to show better manners than last time, alas I was wrong. I guess that I can always hope that people will choose to stick to the relevant facts and not lower themselves to personally attack one another.

My other question stands: Why is it that you can't respond to my request about having a discussion about literacy in VUSD or find a topic that is worth discussing? Could it be that you don’t have one?

Move on from attacking people on a personal record, it just shows how small-minded you are as a person. Why can’t we just get along?

To Taxpayer wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:58 AM:Calm down, go to work, vote for who you want. Literacy in VUSD? Well now, that has nothing to do with who's sitting on the current schoolboard, its the hard work of the teachers, instructional aides, and parents.