header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
July 17
1834 - Sinforosa, daughter of Narciso and Crisanta, born at Mission San Fernando; mom from Tejon, dad from Piru; believed to be last speaker of Tataviam language (died 1915) [record]
Piru


You Know I'm Right | Commentary by Betty Arenson
| Friday, Dec 13, 2013

bettyarensonHopefully this (unintended) fourth commentary on this subject will be the last. I just like to finish what I start.

This began as a story about the powers-to-be in the public sector telling taxpayers they must pay breathtaking salaries, plus perks, to get “the best” for the job at hand.

All too frequently, these pros end up as dismal failures. Taxpayers foot the bill but have no say in the process.

Be mindful that this is not solely Los Angeles’ school district; this is representative of how school bond dollars are hijacked and wasted, from our federal government dollars – our dollars – on down.

Specifically, I identified Dr. John Deasy, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, who was hired in 2011 for $330,000 per year, plus perks, on a four-year contract. While other front-page events occurred on his watch, I highlighted Deasy’s haughty decision to spend $1 billion-with-a-B of taxpayers’ dollars to give all 650,000 LAUSD students and teachers an iPad.

So far, the project is a big, expensive bust – but everyone is still employed.

Here’s the synopsis to bring you up to date:

Deasy contracted with Apple to pay $678 per device.

That’s more than an over-the-counter price. It is unclear if the deal is lawful because LAUSD construction bond money is being tapped to pay the bills; many details of the contract are undefined for the pubic, including:

* the content of the needed future software. The curriculum content seems to be controlled between Apple and Pearson Education Inc., which could mean no control by LAUSD;

* When does that contract actually commence?

*When does the contract for each iPad’s initial Apple limited warranty begin?

There is no decision on whether the students can or should take the units home, away from the classroom. Who is financially responsible for lost/stolen/damaged units? Parents, students or taxpayers? There is a gross inadequacy with the security filters; their units have insufficient educational software downloads; and there are (now disclosed) contract issues that will raise the base price to $770 per device.

LAUSD also forgot to factor in:

* the need for keyboards (additional $38 million so far);

* the cost of classroom carts to charge and secure the units (increased price to date is $600,000);

* sales tax;

* mandatory recycling fees;

* maintenance and operation costs.

Teachers are also complaining that they are not receiving proper training. Extra costs.

Simple math tells us the iPads will now cost $903 each – so far.

Additionally, the state still requires schools to buy textbooks. It’s the law, irrespective of the $1 billion dollar-plus debacle.

Several weeks ago, Deasy called his pet project “an astonishing success,” and in October the district said its technology initiative is “amazing.”

Hmm. Successful and amazing; yet stalled, wholly inadequate, underfunded and incomplete.

Now, onto John Deasy’s “job”: He still has it.

For a bit of history, Deasy has been at odds with the UTLA (teachers’ union) President Warren Fletcher, the Board of Education President Richard Vladovic and the teachers themselves, who in April gave Deasy a “no confidence” vote with regard to his leadership, from 91 percent of the union’s 17,500 members.

In late October, much to the surprise of the aforementioned people and even Mayor Garcetti, Deasy spoke of resigning. He didn’t actually submit a letter of resignation, just let it be known. It was a successful tactic for him.

It seems before the resignation “leak,” Deasy was consulting about his contract with LAUSD General Counsel David Holmquist. Behind closed doors, Deasy offered to resign as of February 2014 if he could stay on as a consultant until the June 30, 2015, contract’s end. This would, of course, allow him to keep his $330,000 annual salary. The agreement would also include that the departure is “solely for personal reasons and should not in any way be construed or understood as any admission of wrongdoing.”

Fabulous/ Taxpayers must fund the loser as well as the next “best” to be hired.

Behind closed doors, the decision has been made. Deasy is keeping his job as LAUSD superintendent.

Gosh, I had not considered this before: If that’s the “best,” what would the “worst” cost us?

 

Betty Arenson has lived in the SCV since 1968 and describes herself as a conservative who’s concerned about progressives’ politics and their impacts on the country, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She says she is unashamed to own a gun or a Bible, couldn’t care less about the color of the president’s skin, and demands that he uphold his oath to protect and follow the Constitution of the United States in its entirety. Her commentary publishes Fridays.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Monday, Jul 15, 2024
Santa Clarita consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in the nation, boasting a high quality of life, strong safety record and a business-friendly atmosphere.
Thursday, Jul 11, 2024
Santa Clarita is known, not only for its scenic open spaces and family-friendly community, but also for its commitment to nurturing the arts and fostering a thriving, dynamic environment where creativity can flourish.
Monday, Jul 8, 2024
I am pleased to say that during our last City Council meeting in June, our City Council adopted yet another on-time, balanced budget for the 2024/25 Fiscal Year.
Friday, Jul 5, 2024
Growing up in the 1980s, I have many fond memories of spending time with friends at the Skate-N-Place on Soledad Canyon Road.
Monday, Jul 1, 2024
By day, the sounds of music and laughter fill the streets as we celebrate Independence Day in true Santa Clarita fashion with the annual Fourth of July Parade.
Thursday, Jun 27, 2024
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul.”

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library is hosting a “Summer Bag Sale” event at the Valencia, Canyon Country and Newhall branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library, during normal operating hours from Saturday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
Aug. 3-11: Friends of the Library Summer Bag Sale
Ryan Mathiesen, the power-hitting, power-throwing pitcher/third baseman for The Master's University baseball team, has been chosen by the Houston Astros in the 14th round of the MLB Draft.
TMU’s Mathiesen Drafted by Astros in 14th Round
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 76th Annual Emmy Awards on Wednesday, July 17 at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Several California Institute of the Arts alums were recognized for excellence in television across 118 categories.
CalArtians Earn 2024 Emmy Award Nominations
The WiSH Education Foundation Cocktails on the Roof fundraiser will be held Friday, Sept. 6, 7-10 p.m. to benefit student programs in the William S. Hart Union School District.
Sept. 6: Cocktails on the Roof Benefits Hart District Student Programs
The California Competes Tax Credit application periods, amounts available, and committee meeting dates for fiscal year 2024-2025 have been posted here. 
July 22: CalCompetes Tax Credit Applications Begin
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
Ocean Water Warning for July 17
Providence has molded a promise, know me, care for me, ease my way, from ­­­its centuries-old mission of outreach to those most in need.
Providence Earns National Award for Health Equity Program
For the 30th year in a row, the city of Santa Clarita has received an Investment Policy Certificate of Excellence Award from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada for its Investment Policy.
Santa Clarita Receives Nationally Acclaimed Finance Award For 30th Year
ARTree Community Art Center has released their schedule for the upcoming fall 2024 season. 
ARTree Releases Fall 2024 Class Schedule
The SCV Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce an exciting new initiative from that's designed to revolutionize the way you do business: SCV Business Hub.
SCV Chamber Announces the SCV Business Hub
Businesses that pay use tax may be eligible to direct a large portion of Use Tax back to Santa Clarita’s general fund for public safety, parks, libraries, infrastructure and other city services and receive a cash rebate on a portion of the Use Tax remitted to the City. 
SCVEDC: Santa Clarita Use Tax Rebate Program
1834 - Sinforosa, daughter of Narciso and Crisanta, born at Mission San Fernando; mom from Tejon, dad from Piru; believed to be last speaker of Tataviam language (died 1915) [record]
Piru
The Office of Inspector General Max Huntsman has issued a report entitled Fourth Report Back on Meeting the Sheriff's Department's Obligations Under Senate Bill 1421.
Inspector General Issues New Report on LASD
All eight eligible Providence hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Holy Cross in Mission Hills, have earned high ratings from U.S. News & World Report, including two that ranked nationally for orthopedics care and one for rehabilitation.
Holy Cross, SoCal Providence Hospitals Highly Ranked by U.S. News
The Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons will offer an inperson class "SBDC As A Resource" on Wednesday, July 24, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
July 24: Learn About the SBDC at COC
Steven Nassif, a native of the Santa Clarita Valley, wrote and directed "Homecoming" which will premiere at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the Lumiere Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
July 20: SCV Native Releases First Feature Film
Following outcry from LGBTQ+ students and families whose local districts enacted “forced outing” policies over the past year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today celebrated the signage of AB 1955: Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act (SAFETY Act) into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom Signs AB 1955 SAFETY Act to Protect Rights of LGBTQ+ Students
As families across the country prepare for the upcoming school year, The Salvation Army in Santa Clarita has announced its continued partnership with the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association to provide school backpacks to families in need.
Salvation Army Opens Registration for School Backpack Giveaway
SCVi, a TK-12 tuition-free public charter school in Castaic has announced an Ice Cream Social event on Friday, July 26, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the school campus.
July 26: SCVi Hosts Ice Cream Social for Families
On Tuesday, July 16, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance, which will provide free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction in unincorporated Los Angeles County beginning in January of 2025.
Supes Approve Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance
The WiSH Education Foundation, which benefits students in the William S. Hart Union School District, has announced that its Wednesday Webinar series for the coming '24-'25 school year is being expanded to eight webinars.
WiSH Webinar Series Expands for College Bound Students, Families
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Business After Hours Mixer, alongside other business leaders from the Santa Clarita Valley, for an exclusive networking event at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: SCV Chamber After Hours Mixer at Henry Mayo
Mission Opera has announced the fundraising gala, "An Evening of Elegance," will be held Saturday, Aug 3.
Aug. 3: ‘Evening of Elegance’ Fundraising Gala to Benefit Mission Opera
The SENSES Block Party on Thursday, July 18 will feature the theme "The SENSES Games."
July 18: The SENSES Games in Old Town Newhall
SCVNews.com