Ruehlig is new Board President, Vinson Vice President

By Dave Roberts

Just a week after narrowly approving the Rocketship charter school, despite a staff recommendation to reject it, two members of the revamped Antioch Unified School District Board expressed concern Wednesday about granting another five years to the Antioch Charter Academy II school.

The charter for the school, which has been in operation for 10 years at the Antioch Fairgrounds, is set to expire July 1, 2017. It boasts superior test scores to most of the district-run schools. But it’s also been marred by a child abuse controversy that resulted in the school paying $250,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging a teacher placed duct-tape over a boy’s mouth and another immobilized and humiliated him by forcing him under a chair.

Crystal Sawyer-White, who was attending her first board meeting as a trustee, said that she didn’t even want to accept the charter school’s application for a five-year extension until she has a chance to visit it.

“I have an issue with the child abuse history,” she said. “I think the teacher’s still working there. That’s why.”

Sawyer-White was apparently referring to Marianne Dubitsky, who was allegedly involved in the chair incident. The teacher who was allegedly involved in the duct-tape incident, Michelle Mankewich, is no longer listed on the school’s website as a teacher. Dubitsky’s mother, Jeannie Dubitsky, is the school principal and a co-founder of the school.

The other board member who raised concerns about the school was Debra Vinson, who voted against the Rocketship application based on a variety of concerns that included its special education program.

“I have a lot of concerns,” Vinson said about the charter academy. “I would want there to be a capacity interview around special ed. I’ve looked at the petition. I know that it was signed years ago under certain conditions. I would want to review that. I would want to look at the details, especially around the special ed concern. I’ve visited the site, but I would like to go back again for a more comprehensive visit. There’s just a couple of different things we really need to look at.”

The only other board member comments came from President Diane Gibson-Gray, who said she doesn’t agree with the need for an interview with the charter school administrators, and from Walter Ruehlig, who asked staff to provide information at a future meeting on the AUSD board’s oversight of the charter school “just so we can see what we’ve been doing.”

Jeannie Dubitsky, in her brief remarks to the board, did not address the child abuse controversy or Vinson’s concerns about the special ed program, but did invite the board members to visit the school.

“We are very excited about this,” she said. “What happened was we allowed public students to have Montessori experience. Typically it was a private [school] endeavor. We are the first in Contra Costa County to be a charter. The first charter in the United States was a Montessori. We also offer many other programs.”

The school’s website describes the Montessori method: “The Montessori philosophy has an unwavering belief in the individual – an individual who through time, experience and support becomes a self-disciplined, independent, and self-confident learner. In Primary & Elementary (TK-3) the environment will be prepared for students to interact with specially designed materials that are hands-on which promote a concrete understanding of verbal, mathematical, and sensory skills.”

The method may be working. Slightly more than half of the school’s students are proficient in language arts compared to just one-third of students in the AUSD average. And twice as many Antioch Charter Academy II students are proficient in math than the district-wide average.

A significant contributing factor may be the demographic difference between the school and the district. The school is 41% white versus the district’s 16%, the school is 32% Hispanic or Latino versus the district’s 42%, the school is 9% African American versus the district’s 26%, and the school is 8% Asian versus the district’s 4.5%.

The board voted unanimously to accept the petition, formally beginning the 60-day process to either approve or disapprove it. A hearing on the petition has been scheduled for the board’s next meeting Jan. 25, and a vote is scheduled Feb. 8.

In other board action:

• Several parents pleaded for the continuation of the after-school math program at Jack London Elementary, which they have been told is due to terminate. School officials did not comment on their concern, but Ruehlig asked that it be placed on a future meeting agenda.
• Ruehlig was elected as board president for the next year and Vinson was elected as vice-president, each on a unanimous vote.
• The board unanimously voted to refinance up to $20,752,944 in Measure C bonds in an attempt to save several hundred thousand dollars that can be used to help repair some of the district’s dilapidated schools, including Turner Elementary School’s leaking roof.
• A budget update revealed that the district is no longer engaged in deficit spending after years of having done so, but the district’s technology system is, as one staffer put it, “on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”
• The agenda specified that the new board members, Sawyer-White and Gary Hack, along with re-elected member Gibson-Gray, would be sworn in at the beginning of the public portion of the meeting at 7 p.m. But Gibson-Gray said they had already been sworn in – she and Hack the day prior and Sawyer-White at 6 p.m. – to allow the full board to participate in the closed session prior to the public portion of the meeting. The board also went into closed session after the public portion of the meeting.

Former board members got send off during November 16 meeting before term ended, also without being on agenda

By Allen Payton

The new members of the Antioch School Board, Crystal Sawyer-White and Gary Hack, along with Diane Gibson-Gray who was re-elected to a third term in November, took their oaths of office, this week. But, not when they were supposed to according to Wednesday night’s board meeting agenda.

The oaths were scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the beginning of the board’s regular meeting, but Hack, who the voters returned to the board after having lost his re-election bid in 2014, and Gibson-Gray were sworn in on Tuesday, according to Superintendent Stephanie Anello. She said Hack thought he was going to have a scheduling conflict.

Sawyer-White, who received the most votes in the school board race in the November election, was given her oath by County Supervisor Federal Glover at 6:00 p.m. prior to the board’s previously scheduled closed session. Only her husband Casper and a few others were in attendance.

When asked if the public or media was informed of the change in schedule for the oaths of office for the new and returning board members, and why it wasn’t on the agenda for 6:00 p.m., Anello stated, “We don’t have to.” She later said her answer was in response to not having “it on the agenda prior to closed session, not about informing the media.”

Asked when Sawyer-White’s oath ceremony had been rescheduled after the meeting agenda was published on Friday, December 10th, Anello said she would respond later today. Sawyer-White said “Nancy (Stephanie’s Admin)…asked if I could be sworn in at 5:45 with Stephanie. I preferred Federal Glover and we decided 6:00 p.m. after all the confusion.”

Asked again about when the change in scheduling of her oath ceremony occurred, Sawyer-White responded, “I am not sure which day. Nancy would know. Nancy sent out all the emails.”

When contacted about the matter, Nancy Belleci, Senior Executive Assistant for Anello, did not respond.

UPDATE 1: However, Anello did respond, Thursday afternoon, as she said she would.

“We sent an email to all three incoming Board Members approximately a week ago stating that they would need to be sworn in prior to Closed Session Wednesday night which was scheduled for 6:20 pm. We figured that 6:00 pm would be enough time for all three to be sworn in,” she said. “Tuesday, both Gary and Diane asked if I could administer the oath that day rather than prior to Wednesday’s meeting.”

“We then contacted Crystal to let her know that if it was more convenient for her to come at 6:15 pm. we could administer the oath then as Gary and Diane had already been sworn in,” Anello continued. “She said she needed to come at 6:00 pm since Federal Glover was swearing her in and he had another commitment.”

“The ceremonial oath of office was agendized,” she added. “None of the three Board Members felt they needed to participate in a ceremonial swearing in.”

She was then asked why then did the agenda which was sent out on Friday, two days later, show the oaths of office during the regular meeting that started at 7:00 p.m.

“Because in the past, Board Members wanted to have a second ceremonial swearing in after closed session when more people may be present,” Anello explained. “The three incoming Board Members declined.”

But, that was for a re-enactment ceremony, which is not how the item was listed on the agenda at 7:00 p.m.

The item on the agenda for the regular meeting was listed as a “Ceremonial Oath of Office.”

5. Recall to Open Session – 7:00 PM

A. Reports from Closed Session

B. Flag Salute

C. Ceremonial Oath of Office – Diane Gibson-Gray, Gary Hack, Crystal Sawyer-White

The confusion lay in the use of the term “ceremonial” by Anello and the new board members, to refer to the re-enactment of the actual oaths of office which occurred earlier. There was no oath of office ceremony for the public to be aware of and attend.

Former Board Members’ Farewell

The two former board members who were not elected in November, Fernando Navarro and Alonzo Terry, did not attend Wednesday night’s meeting, as they were given their farewell send-off at the board’s meeting on November 16, according to Anello. However, it wasn’t on that meeting’s agenda for the public to know.

Navarro said he refused to have his photo, which was hanging on the wall inside the district office, given to him that night, since he and Terry were still on the board and continued serving until the new members took their oaths of office. He saw the effort as an attempt to demonstrate that the two of them were no longer on the board, so that they could not vote on the Rocketship Education charter petition at the board’s meeting held on Wednesday, December 7.

Asked if they were going to be recognized at the Wednesday’s meeting, Anello said, “They were recognized by Board Members and myself at our last regularly scheduled meeting.”

Asked if it was on the agenda, she responded, “My administrative assistant sent them an email letting them know that we would be recognizing them at our last regularly scheduled board meeting as we have done for all other outgoing board members in past years. Fernando said it would be inappropriate and that he would come pick up his picture at a later date. He said he spoke for both he and Alonzo. Thus, during my comments I acknowledged and thanked them for their service. Other Board members thanked them during their comments.”

According to Navarro, following the comments made by Walter Ruehlig and Debra Vinson, Gibson-Gray’s was merely, “ditto.”

I’m sorry if it appeared to…Fernando like it was a political move to formally recognize them as we had done in the past in order to send an inferred message of powerlessness,” Anello added. “I can assure you that from my perspective that was absolutely not the case. I didn’t always agree with them — nor they me, but I enjoyed working with them.”

However, Gibson-Gray did make an attempt, as board president at the time, to get Ruehlig and Vinson to join her in swearing in the new board members at the meeting on December 7th, prior to the vote on the Rocketship petition.

While the state Education Code states that terms of school board members end on the first Friday in December after the election, it also states that they serve until the new members are qualified. That has been interpreted to mean when the new members are given their oaths of office.

So, there was no formal, dignified ceremony of the transfer of power by the Antioch School Board as happened last Thursday, by the Antioch City Council. A video of Sawyer-White’s oath of office, taken by her husband Casper, can be viewed on the Antioch Herald’s Facebook page.

UPDATE 2: However, as of Thursday afternoon, Sawyer-White said that new Board Vice President Debra Vinson told her that a ceremony for the new board members and and a re-enactment of the oaths of office will be held Jan. 25th. That was confirmed by new Board President Walter Ruehlig, who wrote via email, “More details to follow.”

 

By Allen Payton

Members of the Antioch Police Department and the public participated in the No Shave November web-based fundraising effort to “grow” cancer awareness and raise money to support cancer prevention, research, education, and to help those fighting the battle against cancer.

Chief Allan Cantando, the other APD officers and supporters surpassed their goal of raising $5,000 during the month. The money raised will benefit the following organizations: American Cancer Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who donated to the Antioch Police Department’s No Shave November fundraising efforts,” Cantando wrote on the APD’s Facebook page. “Together, with your generous support, we raised over $7,800 to help fight the battle against cancer.”

Officers participating in the cause were exempt from adhering to the department’s facial hair restrictions as outlined in the department’s Personal Appearance Standards policy.  For the one month exemption, officers had to make a $25 dollar donation.

Although growing facial hair is typically associated with men, women were free to participate as well, according to Captain Tammany Brooks. (No information was provided as to which women, if any, participated in the effort, although if the photos can be used as evidence, none participated or were willing to admit it. A records request has not been made to verify if any checks used to pay the $25 to No Shave November were received from any female department staff members. Those who might have participated could have paid by cash for which there is no paper trail).

For more information about No Shave November, please visit www.no-shave.org.

The Ballet Company of East County presents

The Nutcracker

Friday, December 16 at 7:00 pm

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Sunday, Dec. 18 at 12:00 pm  & 4:00 pm

Reserved Seating

Performance Length: 1 hour 15 mins.

Tickets: Orchestra (Ground Level): $20; Loge (1st Level Upstairs): $18; Opera (2nd Level Upstairs): $16

Scouts can receive a patch. Remember to order it while checking out.

The Ballet Company of East County is celebrating its 11th Anniversary presentation of The Nutcracker. This timeless holiday classic is sure to delight your entire family! Special meet and greet opportunities! (Before the Saturday 7:00 pm Sunday 4:00 pm shows).

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

For tickets call (925) 757-9500 or visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com/the-nutcracker.html.

Join Lynn Kutsal, owner of Nature’s Bounty in Antioch, in a clean eating adventure that could change your life.

“It’s working for me. I’ve lost 10 pounds in just the first two weeks on the program and an inch around my waist in just the first three,” said Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald. “Try it and see if it works for you, too.”

The Breakfast with Santa Claus at Antioch’s Somersville Towne Center on Saturday morning, December 10th, was a huge success, with well over a hundred people from Antioch and East County in attendance.

“Lori and RJ were amazing as always,” said mall Marketing Manager Shannon Skinner. “We had the Tap Dancing Trees join them, as well.

Delta Bowl supplied the breakfast and Starbucks provided the coffee.

“Everyone had a wonderful time,” she added.

That afternoon, holiday shoppers also enjoyed free entertainment with the joyful sounds of the  Soca Sisters and Company steel pan band.

There’s more to see, do, enjoy and buy at East County’s only enclosed mall including the Musical Toy Soldier Guard, this Saturday, December 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Somersville Towne Center is located at 2550 Somersville Road in Antioch. For more information “like” their Facebook page and click on Events, or visit www.somservilletownecenter.com.

Get on the Howl-A-Day Express and enjoy the annual Happy Howl-A-Days event at the Antioch Animals Services shelter from 10 am to 4:30 pm, this Saturday, December 17.

Be sure to bring a camera for free photos with Santa from 2-4 pm. Plus enjoy treats, give-a-ways and FREE pet adoptions, too. The shelter is located at 300 L Street, corner of West 2nd Street, next to the Antioch Police Facility.

It’s the friendly, caring folks at Antioch Animal Services’ way of saying, “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas” to Fido and your calico, or whatever kind of feline you fancy.

At Tuesday night’s Antioch City Council meeting, Antioch Police Lieutenant Tarra Mendes announced that pet adoptions at Antioch Animal Services (AAS) will be free to the public, with fees subsidized by ARF and supported by a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund, during the “Home for the Holidays” promotion from December 17 until January 14. In addition to waived adoption fees, adopters will receive a $30 gift card courtesy of Pet Food Express to help with the cost of food or supplies for the new family pet. Standard adoption criteria apply, and all animals will be spayed or neutered prior to being released to their adoptive homes in accordance with California State law.

Also, from November 21 to December 15, ARF is granting 501(c)(3) animal rescue group partners a $100 incentive for each “harder to place” animal transferred from AAS, including pit bulls, animals with one or more treatable medical conditions, and animals over five years of age.

Both of these promotions are an effort to further reduce AAS’s shelter animal population and to provide these animals a loving home for the holidays.

Additionally, beginning December 20, AAS will only be accepting animal surrenders by appointment so that ARF’s Pet Safety Net program can work with pet owners to provide some resources to the public in an effort to help citizens keep their pets in their existing homes. Drop-off or same-day owner surrenders to AAS will not be accommodated in order to preserve space for animals in critical need, such as stray or injured animals, who will continue to be accepted without an appointment. Citizens who need to surrender their pet must submit an inquiry on the AAS website and a representative will arrange for further resources or an appointment for surrender.

The City of Antioch is dependent on the public’s help in lowering the shelter population to allow for important changes and ensuring positive outcomes for Antioch’s animals now and in the future. Community support is critical to AAS’s success.

Donations to support improvements at AAS may be made to a restricted fund, which will solely support operations and capital improvements for the AAS shelter, online at www.arflife.org/help/antioch.