Where the School Board Candidates Stand on Dublin’s Key Issues
The Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) recently hosted a candidates forum at Fallon Middle School. This year’s candidates are Norm Lee, Dan Cherrier, Greg Tomlinson, Dan Cunningham, and John Ledahl. The candidates covered many DUSD topics, including:
- Graduation Requirements – Dan Cunningham noted that he was concerned that we are implementing the more stringent graduation requirements too soon.
- Trust – Norm Lee feels that the DUSD Board of Trustees needs to “Walk the talk and talk the walk” and that the DUSD Board should make decisions based on principles, communicate the decisions to stakeholders, and stand by the decisions.
- Finance – Greg Tomlinson advised that parent involvement is a way to both help bridge the gap that has been forced by state budget cuts and to improve test scores. Greg cited the correlation between parent involvement and test scores at Acalanes and Campo Lindo high schools (acknowledging the socio-economic differences, as well). Greg also noted that it is imperative that we improve attendance in our schools (we receive $36 per student per day from the state), promote the DUSD to recruit kids from private schools, and explore joint use facilities with the City of Dublin (e.g., Stager Gym).
So where do the candidates stand on building a second high school in east Dublin? Here is a summary of the candidate responses (in order of response):
Greg Tomlinson and Norm Lee – both candidates felt that it does not make sense to build a second high school right now; however, it could make sense if Dublin had an actuarially unexpected population increase and shift in demographics (e.g., a drastically higher percentage of high school students living in Dublin as compared to the rest of our population).
John Ledahl – opened his response with the humorous comment that “You guys need to have more babies” (to substantiate the need for a second high school). John also remarked that the land required to build a second high school in east Dublin is not available and it never will be.
Dan Cunningham – is not in favor of a second high school because it would invite schools to compete in recruiting students for the purposes of building extra-curicular programs. Dan Cunningham would reconsider building a high school in east Dublin if Dublin High School were to reach the 5,000 student milestone (compared to the current student population of under 1,500 students).
Dan Cherrier – is in favor of competition for students if we had two high schools. Dan said that while the DUSD would not be able to fund the operating expenses of a second high school in today’s economic and budget-tightening environment, he would be open to a second high school if the operating funds and land became available.
Please feel free to contact each of the candidates with any questions that you may have related to Dublin’s schools.
10:45 PM on October 28th, 2008
Just a reminder:
We hope you can join us at Dublin High School for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Open House on Wednesday, October 29th at 5:00p.m.. The new, state-of-the-art math and science buildings are nearly complete and we invite the entire community to the Open House event. The completion of these buildings are tangible results of your Measure C dollars at work.
You are also invited to attend the Valley High School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Open House for the newly refurbished administration and classroom building on Thursday, October 30th at 5:00 p.m. Another example of your Measure C dollars at work.
The links to both events are listed below. We hope you can join us!
http://www.dublin.k12.ca.us/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/10/21/48feb97eb35d7
http://www.dublin.k12.ca.us/vnews/display.v/ART/2008/10/21/48fec1cda310b
11:04 PM on October 28th, 2008
According to the Valley Times, all the candidates opposed the building of a second high school in Dublin. It appears that Mr. Cherrier flip-flopped on this issue. Perhaps that what he does when faced with an issue that is difficult. Instead of doing what is best for all students, he panders to the audience he is speaking to at the time. Let’s hope if he is elected that he doesn’t do the same thing.
11:40 PM on October 28th, 2008
Is there any qualified candidate out there that can see the need for a high school on the east side of Dublin? We’re just going to continue passing bond measures to refurbish Dublin High till we reach the max capacity of 5,000 because there’s no land available? In a few years, no right mind couples will want to start a family out here knowing they will have to travel at least 30 minutes to get their son or daughter to high school. Maybe this is why most of the single family homes are on the west side and growing single family homes development, like Schaefer Ranch.
12:58 AM on October 29th, 2008
I have voted for Dan Cherrier, Norm Lee and Greg Tomlinson, because I want a SECOND HIGH SCHOOL in EAST DUBLIN!
3:41 AM on October 29th, 2008
Changing one’s mind when presented with compelling arguments from one’s constituents is a quality we should all hope the new Trustees will share; otherwise, our children on the East side will continue to suffer from the poor decisions made by the likes of Janet Lockhart and Denis King. Of course, there is plenty of blame to go around. Kasie’s endorsement page is a pretty good list of the people who have made a high school in East Dublin virtually impossible.
http://www.votekasie.com/endorsements.html
The list is not exhaustive by any means, as it is missing key players like Eric Swalwell and Kevin Hart, who were on the previous School Board that set us all down on the wrong path. It also includes people who are obviously not party to that fateful decision years ago, when our high school was turned into a middle school. Still, it’s a pretty good start.
Please don’t take my word for it. Ask these people what their thoughts are about a second high school in East Dublin yourself. You will see that nearly all of them live on the West side and proudly share the attitude that what was good enough for their kids should be sufficient for yours.
6:18 AM on October 29th, 2008
Thanks, John, for attending the forum at Fallon. If you had not been there, I would not have met you and learned about this blog. I do have one question. Is it typical for the Superintendent to be at these forums? I ask because I felt the candidates spent an inordinate amount of time kissing up to Dr. Hanke. If he has done such a good job with our district, we wouldn’t need to consider passing another parcel tax would we? The man was a distraction, and I see him as a barrier to our getting another high school in East Dublin.
6:35 AM on October 29th, 2008
Hi Anonymous – I thought that it was interesting to see the Superintendent at the forum, as well. It did seem odd given that you typically wouldn’t see the City Manager at City Council candidate forum. Perhaps some of the other attendees or School Board candidates can weigh-in…
Thx, John Z.
7:11 AM on October 29th, 2008
Hi John,
I find Ledhal’s assertion that we don’t have any land left and never will intriguing. How is he so certain? Are you absolutely sure you heard him right? From where I live, I see Wallis Ranch still quite open. Most of Fallon Village is still empty, and Camp Parks has not even begun. If East Dublin residents are to unite for this one important cause, can’t we get land back before it really is too late?
A Loyal Reader in Dublin Ranch
10:41 AM on October 29th, 2008
Is it possible to vote for none of the above? Maybe we can do a mass write-in of candidates that has a Can Do attitude rather then Cannot because I say so attitude. Do we want our kids to learn the same, lay down when told to do so or do we want to teach them that the sky’s the limit, work hard and you may be able to achieve the impossible? I believe planning for a 2nd H.S. against all odds is too big of a challenge for these candidates and incumbents, way over their heads given their limited level of expertise in running a top notch school district. Maybe we can lure some from the San Ramon/Diablo school board to move here and run as they are much better quality to get us off the mound that we are so proud of. It should be mountains that we should be scaling, not mounds as we seem to be so content with.
While each and every nearby districts are scaling and standing on top of mountains, our District Board is so happy that we’ve scaled a mound, yippy for Dublin.
Wallis Ranch is a logical options for a 2nd H.S. Charter Properties want something, rezone to allow High Density Housing at Grafton Plaza. In exchange for that they can give up the Medium and High Density Housing planned for Wallis. Set that portion aside for a mid-sized High School, built with higher density to fit into a smaller parcel. Maybe even share the football stadium at Dublin High to save land needed.
As for financing, we’ll need to bring in experts from other successful district as it is way over the heads of anyone running the DUSD. Maybe we can inquiry into Pleasanton or Livermore to see if they would be open to taking over our District, much like how we contract out our First and Police Service to Alameda County. Put it up for a vote in both cities, chances are though Dublin Residents would vote yes to a takeover but our neighbors will say hell NO!
11:31 AM on October 29th, 2008
Wouldn’t the gunshots from the firing range near Wallis Ranch interfere with the classes? Perhaps putting the high school there would motivate the firing range to relocate. Any elected or appointed official who can make both happen will have my family’s undying gratitude.
Please vote for Cherrier. We already know Wicked Witch of the West Janet Lockhart is against a second high school, and she has endorsed both Norm Lee and Greg Tomlinson. To me, Cherrier is the most practical and open-minded candidate we have today, and we have to start somewhere.
12:54 PM on October 29th, 2008
I can’t believe there’s no more land available on the east side. Which idiots sold all of it to the developers so they can put up more condos/apartments? Was this the main reason why Measure L was put on the ballot because there’s no land available?
1:04 PM on October 29th, 2008
If the land was sold for money, they must have blown through all that cash. Why else would they try to pass Measure L now? I wouldn’t be surprised if the cash from the developers went into some general fund account that has absolutely no oversight.
2:34 PM on October 29th, 2008
If there is a will there is a way. Council approve a 2nd high school the right of eminent domain can take place. Pick the land and it shall be done. Funds? Mello Roos. Operating budget? School board should be able to allocate funds. East Dublin pays school board funding through your property taxes. You should be able to have a say where those funds go.
Jing Firmeza rfirmeza@willowcreekdublin.com
7:09 PM on October 29th, 2008
Hi Anonymous – I personally wouldn’t refer to Janet as the “Wicked Witch of the West”. While I won’t be receiving a holiday card from Janet this year, I believe that she’s a good person with a kind heart.
Thx, John Z.
11:38 PM on October 29th, 2008
Isn’t Dublin considering to expand into unincorporated area as well? I did not study how much potential land lies around east Dublin.
I think land is not a problem at all, there is always solution if someone is seriously looking at the second high school. The only problem is the school board, city council and mayor. These organizations and positions are controlled by west Dublin residents and the young east Dublin is discriminated and disadvantaged politically.
Is there any venue we can vote to be an indepentent city? Or join San Ramon or Pleasanton and leave the stupid Dublin government behind? I am tired of those selfish and short-sighted incumbents.
11:44 PM on October 29th, 2008
We should have a recommended list of candidates for east Dublin residents to avoid uninformed votes. Many east dublin residents are professionals and well educated, but they are busy. We should use internet, mailings to make east Dublin residents to be organized and avoid being deprived of our rights by a serious under-representation in the city government.
Is it a legal possibility to be separated from Dublin? What’s the procedure?
11:52 PM on October 29th, 2008
Dan Cherrier should be in school board!
This will be a perfect example to show east Dublin’s political power. If Cherrier is elected, all the officers and candidates will take note and east Dubin won’t be ignored again and again.
10:04 AM on October 30th, 2008
I don’t know if secession is the right approach. If East and West were to split, we will lose a lot of leverage when we negotiate with our service vendors. Our energy will be better spent making compelling arguments for why having a second high school will be good for both West Dublin and East Dublin. We should also do our part to get more of our friends and neighbors who share our views registered to vote. Ultimately we have to ask ourselves, are our children and home values worth that 10 minutes it’d take to get someone to become a permanent absentee voter? Personally, I cannot think of a better return on investment.
10:05 AM on October 30th, 2008
Splitting from Dublin has merits. From Hopyard to East of Fallon. Dublin will revert to Dumpling like it was before the East came along. City Officials from the West has forgotten what got them out of the dumps 10 years ago, yes it is the East with all the new homeowners and businesses that put them on the map. Without the voters and revenues from the East they will be once again forgotten, invisible.
10:47 AM on October 30th, 2008
It takes true leaders to accomplish something that many say cannot be done. It is the weak that hides behind concensus to save themselves from possible embarrassment, ridicule, even when the rewards could be quite high if they were to take the risk and stand out.
All the candidates, incumbent and new have conveniently taken the high road on this issue. By hiding behind the bogus 5000 student benchmark requirement. It is the safe way as they don't have the courage, don't have the desire or want nor have the ability to take risk, be a pioneer and find a way to accomplish something their former and future colleagues say it can't be done, don't be foolish they tell you.
How are we ever to reach that 5000 student benchmark when we are leaking school age students to other cities in an alarming rate? Our bucket of students has a gaping hole, that hole is the lack of even a glimpse of a 2nd High School. I've seen neighbor after neighbor with bright young kids move to Danville, SR or Pleasantion. I ask them why, it is for their top notch school system and facilities. I've had many potential buyers for my home say the same thing. We may be left with no choice but to do the same as my daughter approaches school age. It would be a painful day as We love Dublin for its location and potential, although tarnished quite a bit with recent proliferation of High Density housing and along with the school issue coming to head.
Do we want to teach our kids the same, be part of a crowd instead of standing up and being a leader? Don't we want to set an example for our kids to set their sights high, reach for the highest bar, work hard and you may likely accomplish something that people said can't be done. Do we want our kids to be future leaders or future followers?? Our candidates as I mention are all followers,not leaders, much like the ones (current Council Members)that said they opposed High Density housing all along the past 4-8 years (you know who you are) but still followed Lockhart, Zikas and McCormick instead of taking the issue by the horn and lead themselve and be a maverick. Yeah you may have no friends on the Council and be out voted but you will earn respect of your Constituents. If you cannot stand up to your Colleagues, how are you to stand up against powerful developers and landowners? It takes a true leader with courage to break from the pack and stand out, pursue and do the impossible.
To all the candidates, will the true leaders of tomorrow stand up!! Do we have any? I don't see one yet!
What is wrong with saying yes lets look at the issue again, we'll work together to see if a solution is ever possible. Are you more afraid of your Colleagues or of your Constituent? It takes the effort of all, City Hall, School District, Landowner, Developers, Homeowners and yes the Corporate Sector.
The Corporate Sector (current and future recruits) do have an interest in Dublin schools being top notch. Why? the population base and brain base is in the inner Bay Area, with UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCSF, SCU etc… Thus when a company locates here they need to have all the tools in the world to be able to compete and recruit the best talent. How are they to compete against a competing recruiter that is located in Fremont or Palo Alto, what can they use to lure a family with kids headed to Mission San Jose High (Fremont) or Gund (P.A.) or Lowell (S.F.)? Having a top notch school system and an inventory of homes on the top end does not hurt. We cannot though have a successful/exclusive inventory of high end homes as long as kids in those homes would have to drive 25 minutes (pre camp parks) to 35 minutes(after camp parks buildout) to get to their High School one way.
I like the idea of Wallis Ranch High Density/Medium Density swap with Grafton Plaza. Charter wants something at Grafton Plaza, they can have it by giving up something at Wallis Ranch. Set that parcel aside for a potential High School, until then leave it as open space which can't hurt.
Will any of the Council Candidates, Incumbent and New be leaders and listen to their Constituents? Take this issue by the horn and gather all the powers that be as mentioned above to see if something can be hashed out. City Hall does not have jurisdiction over the District but by working together with developers, landowners and revising zoning anything could be possible.
Here are the steps.
1) Acknowledge the valid demand for a 2nd High School. Understand the consequences of the alternative.
2) Work with developers/landowners on identifying possible parcels.
3) Collaboration between City Hall, District, Landowners, Developers, Corporate Sector, Homeowners, even the Park & Recreation to devise a financing scheme for both construction and ongoing operation.
It is a big complex challenge, A TRUE leader though should not break much of a sweat to put this process in motion and see it through. You may get a smirk or two from your weak counterparts/colleagues but you will earn priceless respect from your Constituents.
Remember, East Population will soon out number West Population. So as long as this is an unresolved issue, schools on both end will suffer and any measure put forth by the District will fail. Measure C was a one time lucky shot. East Residents are more informed now and understand the power/clout that we will have in future years.
Don't get me wrong, this has nothing to do with Dublin High and its Students and Faculty. They deserve a modern campus just like we do in the East. It has everything with Eastern Dublin deserving a closer look at getting their own high school.
10:58 AM on October 30th, 2008
Secession is the last resort but don’t disregard it as being bogus. It could happen if the City and District continue on their way of West First, East Later if ever.
Compelling argument is NO Future School Measures will ever get passed as East Voters will Outnumber West Voters. Simple enough, East loses and the West as well.
Singles and young couples living in Condos/Aparments with no kids, pissed off family looking to relocate or send their kids to private school will not ever support paying tax for a system they have no intention of ever using under the current conditions.
11:28 AM on October 30th, 2008
We need to be cautious when dealing with Charter, because James Tong did not get to where he is today by being stupid and caving to the demands of the community. He is a shrewd business man who has a direct line to all the key players in town, and unfortunately most of them live in West Dublin. The political reality today is that most of the East Dublin candidates who are not endorsed by the West will be defeated, because the people they represent don’t bother to vote and participate. Take that hit in property value now and upgrade to a single-lot home in Windemere. Your children will thank you for it.
12:51 PM on October 30th, 2008
The only way to get a second high school is secession. Do we need approval from west Dublin if we want a secession? Or we can decide on our own?
There are smaller cities. Alamo is not a city yet and they have all the services and wonderful schools. Their population is small and they are talking about becoming a city of their own.
After secession, we have several options:
1. be an indepedent city called “East Dublin” or a better name;
2. be unincorporated;
3. merge with San Ramon;
4. merge with Pleasanton.
1:10 PM on October 30th, 2008
You do not want to merge with San Ramon or Pleasanton, because they have even less incentive to keep East Dublin beautiful and will just dump things they don’t want in East Dublin. The notion of secession is a divisive one, because it will not only antagonize people in West Dublin and Central Dublin, but it will not gain uniform support in East Dublin. Just think about how expensive a messy divorce can be. Do you really want our children to be put through something like that? Our time and energy will be better spent on the one issue that matters — the second high school. People need to have more faith in themselves and their neighbors. Be strategic with how we focus our resources, and we will prevail.
1:11 PM on October 30th, 2008
I don’t believe West voters will have a say, regardless at the current pace of High Density construction on the East we’ll have the number even if it goes to a Citywide Vote. We should be independent, whether a City (no way in hell are we keeping the Dublin name if this day comes) or unincorporated. We can have our own District or contract with Pleasanton’s school district, much like Dublin currently contracts for fire and police services. San Ramon, Danville, Alamo I believe have a combined School District. We should be able to finance a new school given all the impact fees in the East now does not have to be shared with the rest. We control it and determine how it is spent.
As you see East Dublin Residents have a much higher expection of what quality of life is, have higher expection of our school system. Currently West Centric officials don’t get it. We feel like the step child, eventhough we were the ones that put the City on anyone’s radar.
We can’t merge with SR since it is in a different County, don’t know of any town that crosses County Line.
Lets keep this talk alive and it will get rolling. Sounds foolish now but when you dismiss something as being impossible, there is a will within to prove otherwise.
1:19 PM on October 30th, 2008
I agree that James Tong and many other developers have our officials at there fingertips. Say bark and they will bark, say sit and they will sit. Our elected officials are no match for they powerful entities.
SR has been the choice for many residents here with children approaching grade school. It is not a bad advise at all.
TO ALL OUR EASTERN NEIGHBORS, VOTE FOR AN EAST BASED CANDIDATE IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE YOU AN INTEGRAL PART OF A CITY. IF YOU DON’T VOTE, THAN STOP COMPAINING. GET OFF YOUR a** AND GO VOTE, DO YOU HOMEWORK ON WHICH CANDIDATE IS RIGHT FOR THE EAST AS WE’VE HAD TOO MANY WESTERN/LOCKHART CRONIES RUNNING THIS CITY.
1:24 PM on October 30th, 2008
Merging with Pleasanton would be too compicated as it would require approval of Pleasanton voters too. Going the way of unincorporated is the best at this time. Certainly with more oversight of development than how the County was allowed to run Dublin before Incorporation in 85-86.
Does anyone know if Danville is incorporated? I know that it was unincoporated for many many years. Even under the County for so many years they’ve kept development in check. You drive through that town and you see quality.
1:26 PM on October 30th, 2008
Agreed. It is far more cost-effective to vote in candidates from East Dublin than to break away from the West. Help grow the number of East Dublin voters. Remember, we have density on our side. Let’s turn our disadvantage into our strength.
1:31 PM on October 30th, 2008
Blame the divisive overtone on the situation created by Lockhart and Friends (from the School board all the way to City Hall).
Eastern Residents have been extremely patient in the face of repeated NO WAY JOSE attitude of city government. It is now getting to the 11th hour and this divisive talk will get louder and louder unfortunately.
We will look so bad in the media and it will cost the city millions to fight this battle, eventual we will all lose (east and west). Build the school!! it will be much cheaper, almost everyone is happy except for the weak that keeps saying NO WAY! AKA: Lockhart, Ledahl, Hart, Hildenbrand, King etc…
1:32 PM on October 30th, 2008
Pleasanton would not want our BMRs and Condos!! No way, they know better as their LEADERS are bright and aren’t naive. They will protect their Constituents from us.
1:47 PM on October 30th, 2008
Another possibility is a Secession From Dublin School District. After considering all the pros and cons, we can decide which form of secession is better.
Here is an example.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E6D61130F931A35752C1A9679C8B63
Before the secession, it is still very important to vote for east Dublin friendly candidates.
1:57 PM on October 30th, 2008
Yes, Mayor Lockhart has not acted in the best interest of East Dublin, but she has done a beautiful job representing the people on the West, because that’s where she lives. Had the people on the East side been more engaged, we would not be having this discussion today. Those of us who live on the East side deserve much of the blame as well. We complain but our words do not translate into action.
To those who call for “secession,” we do have many East Dublin candidates running this cycle. Reach out to them, so they know who you are and who they will be answering to. Walk door-to-door for them in this final stretch. Show up to City Council meetings and School Board meetings. Get your friends and neighbors to communicate how you would like them to vote on key issues like the second high school. If that sounds like too much work, how will you gain enough support for secession in the East side alone?
Like the some of the people above, I think there is a better and FAR less destructive way out of the mess we’re in. The things I suggested that you do for our East Dublin candidates are exactly what you will need to do if you want East to break away from the West. Reach out to those who truly represent our best interest; otherwise, we deserve what’s coming to us.
2:01 PM on October 30th, 2008
For the ones who have not been able to research who is East and who is West. Do you have a list?
We kind of know of how each candidate stand in regards to High Density Housing, Downtown Development, Attracting Class A Offices etc.. But where they live we don’t know.
Not asking for suggestions as we all have do our homework, just a list of who is from East and who is from West.
2:06 PM on October 30th, 2008
Unfortunately during the early parts of Lockhart’s ERA (School Board to City Hall), the East was still in its infancy. Mainly bare frames and foundation along with open fields. All the important decisions were made by her possey before the East had any chance as we barely existed. Finally now the east is coming into its own and Residents are taking notice that we still barely exist. We’ve become more aware of what is going on around us. Hopefully going forward we will put words into action.
I am confident that Eastern Residents will become louder and louder in the coming year/s
2:22 PM on October 30th, 2008
On Zukoski’s website, he said that he’s on the board of directors for the Terraces at the Dublin Ranch Villages. If there are people who live at the Terraces, please confirm. I am pretty sure Abulencia is on the East side, based on what he said at the TV30 forum, but the dude does not have a website. I know for a fact that Sbranti is in the Villas at the Dublin Ranch Villages, so I can’t imagine he’d be for more condos. Still, we will have to monitor him closely to make sure he’s truly free from Janet’s claws once in office. Cherrier and Lee are both East Dublin. Tomlinson is too I think, but he doesn’t have a website like the others, so I can’t confirm.
I understand the frustration with those who are calling for secession, but to me, that’s like going into Iraq before making sure the WMDs are really there. It’s also like cutting a blank check for the $800B bailout before all the facts are in. I agree with those comments that call for more deliberate steps in asserting our political voice. We have to organize either way, so why not try getting our folks in office first?
2:30 PM on October 30th, 2008
Wonderful, thanks for the info.
I’ve heard the same, Sbranti and Zukoski are from the Villages. Don’t know about Hildenbrand and Abulencia. Based on what you heard on TV30 and what I’ve read in the Tri Valley Herald I couldn’t imagine he would be from the West to have those views.
Cherrier and Lee already have my vote, Tomlinson I don’t care for but would I rather him stay on the Planning Commission til 2010 or ship him out to the School Board. He is still better than Ledalh.
Sbranti and Hildenbrand I am concern. They both talk the talk but there is no denying they followed Lockhart step for step the past 4 years. Will they be able to break free or will they continue to be her puppets. Abulencia has my vote along with Zukoski.
2:31 PM on October 30th, 2008
All we wanted was a second high school! A simple and well deserved request.
The selfish city officers are forcing use to consider to secess from the school district and/or from the city.
Voting for the east candidates this year is the first step. Secession should be a serious consideration, because I do not see the second high school anywhere close.
2:34 PM on October 30th, 2008
Zukoski is on the board of directors for the Terraces. I can confirm as a Friend of mine received his WRATH for a parking violation. If he could bring the same passion and intensity to the City and stand up to Lockhart clones and developers we’d be fine. It is not too late to salvage the City.
2:37 PM on October 30th, 2008
I agree Secession will be costly and ugly but it needs to be kept on the table.
Based on Hildenbrand’s NO WAY JOSE and many other Candidates, Council and School Board alike none has the expertise nor leadership skills to pull something as complex as building a new high school through. Even if there was a plot of land just sitting there they wouldn’t know what to do with it, that is why Lockhart and friends gave up on it in the late 90s.
2:38 PM on October 30th, 2008
We ARE frustrated and on the brinks of giving up on the City altogether.
3:06 PM on October 30th, 2008
Thanks for the confirmation. At least we know parking issues are very much on John’s mind. In East Dublin, that’s a good thing!!!!!!!!! Bonus points for John!!!!!!!!!
To those who are about to throw in the towels, I ask you to check out this new discussion top on FaceBook group first before you do anything rash. Clearly one of us felt strongly enough about this issue to post something on there in an attempt to rally the troops. Let’s hear him out before giving up, which is exactly what Janet Lockhart and her flying monkeys would want you to do.
It is simply unfathomable to me that our School Board would want to antagonize parents who merely want what’s best for their children and are willing to pay MORE money to see that second high school built. Any other school district would be thanking their lucky stars at this point. Only in Dublin I tell ya….only in Dublin…
10:10 PM on October 30th, 2008
Wow! Lots of comments on this topic (as expected). I’ll give you some of my thoughts….and they will be very forward and blunt.
To those anonymous that spent so much time and effort to write on this blog, I challenge you to get involved and make a difference. Be it running for office or come to city council/school board meetings, do something to change things. it’s so easy to complain and blame. And as someone mentioned in one of the comments….weak to hide under the guise of anonymous to take pot shots at others.
I on the other hand am willing to stand up and attempt to make a change for the better. Yes, we’re inheriting some “sins of our fathers”. So a new board is the only the first step in getting what we all want….a top notch education for our children. More bluntly put….get off my back for trying to do the right thing for all our kids! If you think, you can do better…..throw your name in the ring! You have my complete support.
How much are folks really willing to pay for a new school? 100 mil at minimum to built a high school….what about teachers, maint. I’m sure you know that the state only provides funding for number of kids in school. Ive been told by a few folks….built the school…and the kids will come. What about the interim? ….the time before they get here? Take Fallon for example…it’s not a full blown middle school because the numbers don’t support it. Are parents willing to subsidize everything at Fallon to convert it to a middle school? Even with low enrollment?
What I hear a lot of folks on this blog saying is …….we want a school.
We don’t care how it’s done….just do it? How is that any different from those that say ….there is no way we should build another high school?
In both instances, narrow vision. As I have said in many occasion, I would support another school if we knew we could support one…not only financially but with a complete compliment of programs for our kids. Academics is only a part of the high school experience. it’s all the other programs that round out our children’s education. The child with a 4.0 and a bunch of AP classes only may not necessarily have a better chance of getting into a top tier school over the child that is a 3.5 with a varsity letter, school clubs, and community involvement. So what would this small new high school look like?
Don’t get me wrong…of course….I’d love to see Dublin with a school district as large as Pleasanton…..and we may get there some day. But nothing in the near future indicate that we’ll get there sooner than later. Would be easy if we had unlimited resources, but we are limited (at least from a state and local gov’t perspective). One alternative is that folks get together and open a private school (which from some of the comments, it exactly what is being suggested).
This whole East and West thing is really sad. When our kids play together in city leagues, participate in community events, or join clubs like scouts……they don’t care where the other kids live, what school they go to, or which political party they’re associated with. They just get along, work together, and have fun. We can learn a lot from our children.
I’m going to close this comment by saying there are a few of us that are willing to get in the line of fire and make some changes….and those guys are Norm Lee, Greg Tomlinson, and Dan Cherrier! Get out and vote and let’s start the cycle of changing things.
This IS NOT about driving times and personal preference.
This IS about doing what’s best for our kids and given them opportunities.
It’s all about the kids!!!!!!!
I welcome a phone call or meeting over coffee with any of you to discuss issues/concerns. My contact info on my website: http://www.normlee.net
Thanks for reading
Norm
11:32 PM on October 30th, 2008
Well we might not like everything Norm Lee has to say or how he says it but you have to respect his passion and dedication for trying to make a difference! Thanks Norm for being there for east Dublin and for standing tall for all of Dublin. You deserve a seat on the School Board!
I hear everyone expressing the need for a change on the board. I hope you all are registered to vote and tell your friends to vote for three new School Board members – whoever they are they will be better for all of Dublin than Ledahl.
11:51 PM on October 30th, 2008
Thanks for the plug Anonymous.
I hope “how he says it” isn’t referring to all the typos in my comments
(didn’t run the spell checker…hahahahaha!)
Absolutely!
Folks…if you do nothing else….get out and vote!
Let us be your voice for better Dublin schools!
Cheers
Norm
7:50 AM on October 31st, 2008
How did Windermere built the high school, middle school and a few elementary schools? We can learn from them.
8:01 AM on October 31st, 2008
Please register as permanent vote-by-mail voters
It seems a very good idea to register as permanent vote-by-mail voters. This is so much easy and hassle free. If more people do this, the voting ratio will shoot up dramatically. I really like this and it it took me 5 minutes to vote and mail it out.
Here is the website. Just print out the form, fill it out in 1 minute and mail to Alameda county election office. This will be the Election 2.0 and get mainstream from its exponential growth.
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_m.htm
Alameda County Elections Office:
Dave Macdonald, Registrar of Voters
1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 272-6933
(510) 272-6982 Fax
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.acgov.org/rov/index.htm
8:05 AM on October 31st, 2008
Everything starts from series of small steps. The first step is to
VOTE!
1:17 PM on October 31st, 2008
Thanks Norm for stepping in and expressing your views. We hope other candidates will follow before next weeks vote.
All we are asking for is to keep and open mind and work towards the possibility of a 2nd High School. The current board and even some City Council Members have completely shut us out, treating this quest for a 2nd High School with humor, talking down to parents who dare to bring up this subject in Public. So why to people stay anonymous? Ask the Parents who were at Fallon a couple of weeks ago, they were there in person and were just shunned when the topic was raised. Now you tell me why, these parents were not weak, they were there.
The question of Land, Financing, Daily Operation, Enrollment (current and future) is complex. We need a progressive board to be able to hash all this out and explore all avenues before saying NO WAY JOSE. What is urgetn though is setting land aside for a potential 2nd H.S. until the fat lady sings. It could be 2020 or 2025, nothing wrong with keeping some open space until we can determine if this will work or not.
We keep building houses on the remaining land then in 2020 if we find out we made a mistake and do need a 2nd H.S., where would we build it then? In Livermore?
Wallis Ranch has been brought up, Fallon Village is another. You can’t say that there is no land left when we see open fields with no development occurring on them anytime soon. The District needs to work with City Hall on identifying possible parcels to set aside, work with landowners and developers. Believe me having at least a potential for a 2nd H.S. could help these developers trying to sell the large homes up in Fallon Village.
2:24 PM on October 31st, 2008
Just look at how our outgoing mayor bargained away prime estate home lots for some school facility in Far West Dublin. If she can pull that off, we should be able to do the same for our second high school.
8:21 PM on October 31st, 2008
Yes if prime estate lots (a product we have none of) can be sacrificed for a school building, why can’t we sacrifice some High Density home lots (which we have tons of) for the same in the East?
At least set the land aside so we can talk about this another day instead of allowing more homes to be built on the last remaining possibilities.
As powerful as one reader indicate James Tong is and how wise he is, regardless why are we intimidated by a developer? He leads a Company of maybe a hundred, our City Hall leads a City of 40K plus, who should be more powerful and calling the shots? He wants something in OUR house, he must give up something else to get it. It is OUR house afterall and not his.
8:28 PM on October 31st, 2008
VOTE November 4th:
School: Cherrier, Lee and Tomlinson
Council: Zukoski, Abulencia and OK Hildenbrand (reluctantly)
Mayor: Sbranti (I feel he can be an affective leader if he can break free of the outgoing administration)
These are my endorsements for an open minded and progressive School Board. For a progressive and tough City Hall that will find a way against odds to balance out our housing imbalance created the pass 8 years and also balance out housing vs high paying job developments to put us on even playing field with our neighbors in any arena (top notch housing from both end of the spectrum, top notch schools K-12, top notch job centers/complexes, upscale retail to go with the big box variety). We need to be multi dimensional when it comes to future revenue streams as we cannot continue to rely on impact fees as the City approaches buildout.
3:27 PM on November 5th, 2008
The East Lost Big! We need to be more organized for the next election as we have the numbers in population but lack conviction to wield our voting power.
6:26 PM on November 6th, 2008
A little confused with Norm lee. He stated without a doubt at the forums that we should not have a new high school here.
Why would he be different than the others running?