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Student Report on the School Board Meeting of February 11, 2015 by Ami Felson
On the calm evening of February 11th, 2015, I set out to visit the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education Meeting, which meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in the Council Chambers located at City Hall (120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA, 94611). The purpose of these meetings is to make sure that the Piedmont Unified Schools are successfully creating a safe, educational, and pleasant school experience for all students in the district.
The most time prominent agenda items discussed at this particular meeting included the presentation from the director of KNN Public Finance discussing the board’s options for the refunding of 2006 series A and B general obligation bonds along with the Common Core standards of mathematics pathways and the revised reading of Social Psychology curriculum.
For the bond refunding presentation, Blake Boehm, Director of KNN Public Finance, presented a PowerPoint presentation to the board as Board Member Doug Ireland explained the technical financial terms to the audience watching. Randall Booker presented the Common Core standards for mathematics from higher elementary school up until the brink of high school graduation.
Hillary Cooper stood up as a parent of an eighth and ninth grader to agree with the fact that all sixth graders should be in the same math course and should be tested on mathematic advancement later on in middle school or early in high school.
Lisa Joyce, a parent of a tenth grader, thought that in order to implement these Common Core classes we need statistical analysis from Middle Schoolers to see what they want and what will work best for them.
Jessica Burg, another parent, wondered how the mathematic prerequisites would alter what science classes students are able to take.
Kalla Krokowski, a sixth grader from Beach Elementary School, stated that she wanted to be challenged with the math classes that she took because she was bored a lot of the time in class with simple problems that her teachers have consistently assigned.
Julie Kasky, an alumni of the Math Task Force, noted that she would like she would the board members to publicly inform members in the Piedmont community regarding these Common Core considerations.
Lastly, Larry Haukens, a Piedmont student parent and Math Task Force member, recognized that this is a big decision and the entire School Board needs to critically think about this dramatic change to the school curriculum. Additionally, Piedmont Unified School District Board Members Rick Raushenbush, Doug Ireland, Amal Smith, Sarah Pearson, Andrea Swenson, Constance Hubbard, Michael Brady, and Randall Booker commented on copious issues throughout the evening.
One issue that caught my attention at the meeting was definitely the issue regarding having a Social Psychology class offered in the summer. Although Mrs. Pearson thought that if enough sophomores signed up for the class it would create that inclusive and special community that the class already creates during the school year, I believe that many students will miss out on a big part of what the class offers.
One aspect of the class consists of giving random classmates presents outside of class just to emanate kindness. I don’t see how that can be done without having every student go to another student’s house, which can just lead to much chaos and disorder. Also, students learn the most from this class by talking to each other and reacting on what happened in class every day after class, and it is nearly impossible to do that if the students are home playing video games instead of passing by each other in the hallways during passing period, where conversation is far more casual.
I figured out that Mr. Doug Ireland chose to become a part of the PUSD Board of Education because he “wanted to make sure that this Common Core roll out worked well” and make sure that “we can honestly talk about ten year, evaluation, what [the teachers are] doing, and how well they’re doing it” and “[he] thinks they’re under-appreciated”, so he wants to make sure that they get acknowledgement for all the hard work they put into their jobs every day.
Ireland is “actively going to outside sources from other districts, people who [he] know[s] in the world of education to get [him] educated around teaching” and he’s “visited all the sites…to get first-hand views on what’s happening in the classrooms so that [he] can have an educated perspective which [he] can bring to the board”.
During the meeting, I decided to question what happened to the old PC computers that were replaced a little while ago with new Macintosh ones in the Piedmont High School library. Randall Booker responded by saying that they were all put to E-waste because they weren’t very robust.
Doug Ireland questioned why I’m asking that particular question and I explained that I am a member of Friends of the Oakland Public School Libraries, which refurbishes Oakland School Libraries that have been nothing more than empty rooms for a long while. Volunteers put barcodes on donated books, enter them into the system, shelve them, etc.
One crucial part I forgot to mention is that the reason why I was asking was because I thought that these schools could’ve used these computers if the old PCs were still in storage, but clearly since they’re not, that information has no use to getting them nicer computers.
Also, I mentioned that there are several issues with the male restrooms including the lack of locks on the stalls, irregularly refilled soap dispensers, and one broken hand dryer. Overall, speaking out to the board was a little difficult because I only had one opportunity to state everything that I wanted to say and there was so much going through my mind at the time that it was pretty hard to do so. Nevertheless, going to the meeting opened my eyes to how members of our Piedmont community collaboratively meet twice a month to bring up, discuss, and solve current hot- topic issues in our school district.
Ami Felson, Piedmont High School Student
– Student Report on the Planning Commission Meeting of February 9, 2015 by Kevin Shum –
The City of Piedmont Planning Commission met for a Regular Session on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5:02 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Planning Commission meets regularly on the second Monday of each month to discuss and evaluate proposed home construction and remodeling plans, and serve as advisors to the City Council regarding city planning.
The first house on the agenda was 53 Cambrian Avenue. The property owners requested reconsideration of the conditions of approval needed to construct a new 4,347 square-foot house that had been approved back in 2009. However, residents who live nearby voiced their concerns about possible soil subsidence during construction and the protection of neighboring properties.
Homeowner Caryl James wanted to ensure that her home would be covered to the fullest extent throughout the construction process. David Bowie, the attorney representing the homeowner, made certain that the soil conditions have remained unchanged and will provide the report produced by a soil engineer to the City.
The Commissioners supported the staff recommendation published back in 2009, based on the fact that current city standards are consistent with those six years ago and that no changes have been reported on site. If any problems arise during or after the construction process, recourse would be applicable. In this situation, homeowners would have the right to sue for compensation for any damages caused.
The next item on the agenda was a variance and design review of the remodeling of 74 Sea View Avenue. The homeowner spoke for a proposed a new 3-car garage, instead of a 4-car garage required by the City, as the property is large enough to accommodate other cars and, because of the large size of the property, there is ample space for street parking. In addition, two of the bedrooms, the homeowner noted, are not suited or intended to be counted as bedrooms — one is a hunting lodge, the other is a game room — so a 4-car garage is unnecessary. Consequently, the Commission debated whether or not the homeowner should be required to build a larger garage.
Commissioners Susan Ode, Tom Zhang, and Louise Simpson were against the parking variance, as the lot provides more than enough space for a larger garage. As a solution, the Commission decided that the 3 car garage be moved an additional foot to allow a fourth uncovered carport parking space.
The owner also proposed other stylistic remodeling and additions, such as new decks, changes to the roof, and landscape improvements. Commissioner Simpson was especially concerned about the removal of much of the mature landscaping that opens up much of the property to street view and a proposed metal roof. The Commissioners concluded that a landscaping plan will be necessary before a permit is issued and a dark, non-reflective metal roof to be installed.
The third item brought forth for discussion was a remodeling of 110 Maxwelton Road. The homeowner and architect requested variances for the front and side yard setback due of size and sloping nature of the lot, a conversion of the carport into an enclosed garage, and an entry deck to ensure proper and safe access to house.
Commissioner Zhang applauded the effort to improve the current parking condition and the addition of a deck to provide good outdoor space and a safe entry into the house. The other Commissioners also agreed that the designs sent in were perfectly suited for the unconforming nature of the property, and that the homeowners plan to preserve the mature redwoods situated in front of the property which will provide softness to house. Commissioner Simpson also pointed out that without the variances, it would be impossible to make the improvements, and that the design proposals align with the aesthetics of the neighborhood. The Commission unanimously supported the homeowner’s requests for variances.
The final major item that the Commission discussed was a proposed demolition of a greenhouse and a construction of a new structure on the property of 30 Prospect Road. In discussing with homeowner Annie Reding before the item was brought forth to the Commission, I learned that this was her second attempt at requesting the needed permits to build a studio due to various complaints from residing neighbors regarding the unwelcome structure in their neighborhood. She stated that she and her husband worked with their architect in the last few months and is here to ameliorate their neighbors’ concerns regarding the project and to present the revised designs to the Commission. This time around, she hopes to have her variances and permits issued so that they will finally be able to move forward with the project.
Redding’s husband, Ajay Krishnan, expressed to the Commission that the studio would serve as an office, in which he will work from home, and a guest house. Architect Ian Reed demonstrated that the revised design addresses their neighbor’s concerns — for example, the proposed structure has been decreased in square footage and lowered in height, has opaque windows, and has lower vantage points. Reed assured that the new design addresses the concern of blockage of view.
However, this project still faced stiff opposition from neighbors. Neighbor Jean Zee was opposed to the massive structure, listed at 317 feet, which she says is too large for an office, and obstructs her view. In addition to requesting opaque glass be installed on all sides of the structure, she is concerned that the studio will become a one bedroom house in future.
Neighbor Blake Wong lives directly across street and reiterated the same concerns—that the project is too big for neighborhood, and there is not another structure like this in this size and nature in neighborhood. However, Commissioners were in full support of the project, as the revised proposal is much improved and addresses the neighbors initial concerns adequately.
Commissioner Simpson applauded the fantastic modifications and even suggested the kitchen be put back in order to create a second unit, which Piedmont is encouraging right now. Commissioner Tony Theophilos thought the revisions went above and beyond to address neighbors’ concerns and that the architect implemented creative and original solutions regarding the decreased size and other design modifications to the structure.
In my opinion, I also support this project. In talking with the homeowner, I realized how much time and effort was put into remediating the neighbors’ complaints. It is important to note that there is an existing structure on the property, and the new structure would replace that. I feel that the neighbors’ concerns are unfounded based on the revised plans. Not only does the structure blend in with the property, but it is a logical upgrade for the homeowners.
Kevin Shum, Piedmont High School Student
The Piedmont Unified School District’s Board of Education met in one of their monthly meetings on February 11th, 2015 in the Council Chambers discussing a survey put out on important skills and qualities for the new superintendent replacing Constance Hubbard. Later on in the agenda Blake Boehm, Director of KNN Public Finance, presented an organized presentation on refunding existing bonds issued in 2006, leading up to Randall Booker, Assistant Superintendent and expert in curriculum and assessments, portraying his ideas on why Common Core math would be beneficial to the District’s students.
Regarding the new superintendent, Andrea Swenson talked about the Leadership Profile Report, which was conducted in January, 2105, and is made up of interviews, surveys, as well as focus group meetings. The reports research was done by Hazard, Young, and Attea & Associates (HYA) Barbara Young and William Levinson. Overall the survey had an abnormally high number of 482 respondents showing that the community was involved and participating. Teachers and community members were the number one participants of this survey. A fellow Board member, Doug Ireland, also made sure the audience took note that there are many complex characteristics to this survey and that it will not be easy to balance academic excellence and a good student body, but it will happen. More research is still going to be collected, but the Board of Education and Swenson decided that the best quality of the new superintendent should be that they are a “collaborative leader, comfortable making difficult decisions based on ‘what’s best for kids.'” Online at the PUSD website, you can find highlights of this survey under Board of Education and then Superintendent Search.
Blake Boehm, the District’s public financial advisor, formally introduced to the Board facts about restructuring and refinancing, also known as “refunding”, General Obligation bonds. By refunding these bonds, this could “relieve potential debt service to the District and save taxpayers as much as $4.3 million in present value savings through 2032”, said Boehm. The Board seemed very pleased with the information Boehm gave to the audience, so Boehm will continue to do research and make a presentation to the School Board again on Thursday, March 5th.
Gathering information from public meetings about economics, Dimitri Magganas, who is strongly affiliated with University of California, Berkeley, attends School Board and City Council meeting regularly. Magganas is part of a non-profit that mentors and guides the motivated youth to good programs in ranked universities such as Cal. One of the reasons Magganas comes to meetings so often is he is looking for “what is really missing” to try and find a way to get the Piedmont Unified School District and Cal connected so students at Piedmont have a top notch learning.
Math Task Force representative Katie Korotzer and Assistant Superintendent Randall Booker spoke out about a proposal for Common Core State Standards, which gives Middle and High School students mathematics pathways to high math classes like Calculus AB and Calculus BC.
The Math Task Force was formed to specifically help the Board make decisions on how to deal with the pursuit of Common Core and is composed of math teachers, parents, students, and administrators. One of the main ideas of Common Core was that instead of math teachers covering many topics in a long period of time without much depth, they teach in depth lessons making sure the student have more of an understanding. Common Core also leaves students with choice of when to compress in math to a tougher subject and is UC approved.
The Piedmont Unified School District will also provide summer school classes so students who want to jump up to another level can do so, and instead of it being a whole year in a summer, it is just one semester. Many people may find this beneficial because 5th grade will not be the determining math pathway a student takes. More information about all of these topics can be found on the Piedmont Unified School District website.
Maddie Boxer, Piedmont High School Student
– Park Commission Meeting Report by Lucy Faust, Piedmont High School student –
At 5:30 on the evening of Wednesday, February 4th, Commissioner Sue Herrick called the Park Commission meeting to order. The Park Commission meets of the first Wednesday of each month to help the City Council in the decision making process regarding public parks and city street landscaping.
At the February meeting, although many issues and projects were brought up, the Townhouse Development Project at 408 Linda and the Highland Garden Walk Project were the most pressing topics on the agenda.
To start, Kevin Leveque, the landscape architect on the Townhouse Development Project, discussed many of the improvements he had made to the plans since the last meeting. He discussed the water draining issues coming from Oakland Avenue that they were solving and brought in samples of tiles to add to the site that are consistent with the area to bring a unified look to the community. In addition, he talked about the lighting to the Oakland Avenue Bridge which will become LED lighting so that less maintenance from the City of Piedmont will be required. Using photometrics, he felt confident that the lighting would be sufficient. Up to that point, the Commission members were very satisfied with his improvements. Moving forward, there was a bit more discussion.
Commissioner Patty Siskind was concerned about the planned lights to be casting shadows for cars in a negative way so that it would raise a risk of traffic accidents and Commissioner Nancy Kent was concerned with the fourteen foot posts that would be lining the walkway and recommended low lighting or a mix of high and low lighting instead. Most of the Park Commission members had thoughts on the lights – so much so that a motion was set to make a subcommittee to monitor the project. By not making a decision at the meeting, according to Director of Public Works Chester Nakahara, it would slow the process of getting a building permit for the project. As a solution, City Planner Kate Black suggested approving the building plans on the condition that the lighting on Oakland Avenue intersection, the path and stair lights, and plants for the landscaping would be approved at a later date. The Park Commission voted to take her suggestion and they all voted for it. They concluded that at the next meeting, the decision agreed upon by the subcommittee would be brought to the Park Commission as a whole.
After this discussion, Nancy Kent brought up the Highland Garden Walk Project and recapped the neighborhood meeting that was held January 24th. Lucy Faust, a student at Piedmont High school spoke in support of the project because she believes in the importance of drought-resistant gardens and saving water whenever possible. After she spoke, the details to discuss the project continued. Nancy Kent, a Park Commission member who has long served Piedmont with the intent of helping to bring its parks to a higher quality, is working hard to see the project through. The project is using sustainable techniques, like sheet mulching, to bring change to the area without eroding the organic material currently in place which will keep the soil healthier for years to come. After the Highland Garden Walk Project discussion concluded, all other items on the agenda were discussed which included five project updates and a monthly maintenance report.
At the meeting I spoke in support of the Highland Garden Walk project. I spoke about the fact that a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing town is important to me and so is functionality. The current landscaping of the Highland grass, though beautiful, doesn’t make sense because currently, it is maintained like a park, but is not in use like a park. I talked how I have never hung out there with my friends and although I drive past it many times a week, I have never seen people sitting down in the area and enjoying the grass. Drought resistant plants are the future in gardening and I see no reason why we are using city water to water grass no one is using.
Lucy Faust, Piedmont High School Student
The following letter was received by PCA on February 9, 2015.
As trustees of PUSD, we appreciate the role of the local press as an independent reporter on our work and that of the district. Checks and balances are necessary. But today we are frustrated that a great deal of information about our superintendent search process, printed in the local press, has been inaccurate.
Over the last few months, the search process for a new superintendent has been characterized as “rushed”, “busted”, signaling “a new breach in public trust” complete with “conflict of interest”, “failure of disclosure” and having “fallen short of promoting community engagement”. This vitriol is damaging to the process and misleading to the community.
Immediately following Superintendent Hubbard’s retirement announcement, the board identified key school and community leaders—Paul Benoit, Carol Cramer, Ray Gadbois, Katie Korotzer—to join school board members Doug Ireland and Sarah Pearson on a sub-committee to select an executive search firm. We learned there is a unique recruiting “season”. It was in the community’s best interests to start ahead of the annual rush of other competing districts also seeking new leadership.
Feedback from our community about the characteristics and abilities important in a new superintendent emerged when national search firm, HYA & Associates, spent four days in over 40 separate meetings with 146 stakeholders. The number of respondents to the online survey was 482. More at www.http://www.piedmont.k12.ca.us/blog/2015/01/27/superintendent-search-by-the-numbers/.
At the February 11 board meeting, our consultants will present the Leadership Profile Report based on the input from community meetings and the online survey. We will hear, for the first time, the names of qualified candidates at the February 24 special board meeting.
Because we take our charge to find the best superintendent for our school district extremely seriously, we can no longer stand silent while the local newspaper maligns the process. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts. This inference and innuendo of impropriety is damaging and reflects poorly on our community.
Andrea Swenson, President
Sarah Pearson, Vice President
Doug Ireland, Board Member
Rick Raushenbush, Board Member
Amal Smith, Board Member
Piedmont Board of Education
– School Board Member, Doug Ireland announced how the search for a new Superintendent of Piedmont Schools is progressing.-
As we start February, here is where the process stands from the Board’s vantage point. We will continue to update the district website and the Portal.
On Feb. 11, we will review the Profile report and characteristics from HYA which will be posted to the website. Feedback and comments will be included. To be clear, we aim to attract highly qualified candidates. And we also believe highly qualified candidates may emerge from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. We intend to find the best available talent for our district.
Screening interviews will be conducted by HYA Feb.13 and 17 to narrow the field based on our agreed criteria. By Feb. 24, a slate of qualified, screened candidates will be presented to the Board. First round Board interviews will begin shortly thereafter. The field will be narrowed again to culminate in a decision by the end of March.
When we did our homework about searches, it was clear there is a unique recruiting “season” to the educational profession. Recognizing this, we moved quickly following Superintendent Hubbard’s announcement by naming a board subcommittee, forming a city wide search committee, hiring a search firm and setting a preliminary schedule. As there are now six known superintendent vacancies in Northern California alone, with more likely in the coming weeks, we are glad to have acted expeditiously. And we remain confident our early and organized approach has positioned us to attract and secure a great new superintendent.
Thank you for your ongoing interest and participation.
Doug Ireland, Board of Education
“What we all share is a desire for you to pursue the greatest Superintendent for PUSD regardless of the institution they attended or the field they majored in. We expect that candidates for Superintendent will have a proven track record as teachers, principals, or superintendents and this experience should play a critical role in your decision.To be clear- we would be very supportive if a graduate of the Ivy League and/or a STEM field is the also strongest overall candidate for Superintendent based on their professional accomplishments in the field of education and serving students of all academic needs. We just don’t want the search to be limited or candidates prioritized based on these factors.”
“As Piedmont parents and community members we urge the school board and their consultants to conduct a comprehensive search for a new superintendent with a broad array of skills and experience. The search should not give special priority to those candidates with science, technology, engineering or math degrees from Ivy League schools.
We specifically do not agree with the opinion expressed by former school board candidate Hari Titan as reported by the 1/30/15 “Piedmonter” under the headline “Wish List for new schools chief: Ivy League degree, access and ability to inspire voiced”:
“Hari Titan, who was a PUSD school board candidate and has children in the district, told Young that he wants to see a new superintendent whose educational background mirrors those of parents in the district, many of whom have attended Ivy League or top-tier schools such as Harvard, Princeton and Stanford. Many Piedmont parents also want their children to attend these schools, so a superintendent should have at least received an undergraduate education from an Ivy League school” he said. “There is so much of an expectation that a lot of parents have where they want their kids to get into top-tier schools,” Titan said. “Given that’s the expectation here, why would we not want our superintendent to come from one of these schools?…He’d (also) like to see the new superintendent with an undergraduate degree in a STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering and math).”
“We disagree with Mr. Titan’s characterizations of Piedmont parents and believe that Piedmont schools need to serve the needs of every student, not just the few on an Ivy League track and not just in the STEM discipline. The next superintendent should be equipped to manage the many needs of our district from AP offerings to special education and everything in between as well as the arts, sports, skilled trades and many more. The bottom line is that we would like to see the Board appoint a superintendent who can relate to all students, faculty, staff, parents and community members – qualities that should be weighed heavier than Mr. Titan’s ‘wish list’ of qualifications:”
| Barry Barnes |
| Carl Tsukahara |
| Peter deVroede |
| Kristi Mitchell |
| Cory Smegal |
| Tom Smegal |
| Michael Silverberg |
| Roderick Alemania |
| Ed Alazraqui |
| Michael Berg |
| Adolfo Rivera |
| Mary McFarland |
| Marna Chamberlain |
| Stephen Blitch |
| Maria Carson Breber |
| Laura Katter Katter |
| Wendy and Jamie Peterson |
| Jason Harris |
| Gary Korotzer |
| Pamela Gelson |
| Teresa Satue |
| Barbara Giuffre |
| Holly Hanke |
| Ryan Gilbert |
| Jon Davies |
| Sharon Shoshani |
| Clayton Mitchell |
| Reed Foster |
| Len Gilbert |
| David A. White |
| Douglas Moss |
| Conna McCarthy |
| Samantha Spielman |
| Lynne Spickard |
| Will Carter |
| Dale Turner |
| Larry Hawkins |
| Pete Nicks |
| Robin Wu |
| Mike Zukerman |
| Sydney Proctor |
| Sarah Clifford |
| Amy McKenzie |
| Katie Korotzer |
| Elaine Murphy |
| Mahvash Hassan |
| Alan Siqueira |
| Glyn Burge |
| Jamie Flaherty Evans |
| Alissa Brownrigg Small |
| Pam McBain |
| Erin Rivera |
| Suzanne Heske |
| Lori Elefant |
| Darryl Lim |
| Denise Lincoln |
| Paula Silver |
| Anthony Lincoln |
| Gabeiella and Allan Gordon |
| Nancy Lim |
| Julia Moll |
| Barbara Withers |
| Kathleen Winters |
| Kristen Dixon |
| Kristen Malan |
| Lauren Dutton |
| Jeff Wieler |
| Austin Linnane |
| Lisa Kinoshita |
| Teresa Baum |
| Sandy Rappaport |
| Julie Gardner |
| Matthew Disco |
| Cormac Craigie |
| Cynthia Lyssikatos |
| Liz FitzGerald |
| Randy Porter |
| Sharon Filler |
| Lisa White |
| Janet D’Annunzio |
| Beth Barrett |
| Lori Adams |
| Wendy Kress |
| Fran Wolfe |
| Shannon Rogers |
| Susan Chiodo |
| Nick Levinson |
| Dan Harvitt |
| Ellen Fraser |
| Wendy Szczech |
| Susan Petty |
| Barbee Rubenstein |
| Margaret Dunlap |
| Adi Schacker |
| Julie Stein |
| Nancy McHugh |
| Dane Copeland |
| Cathie Geddeis |
| Kirsten Merit |
| Deborah Banks |
| Suzanne Sassi |
| Melissa Montalbano |
| Kate Grove |
| Nancy DeRoche |
| Laura Pochop |
| Karen Mamuyac |
| KeriAnne Hohener |
| Stacy Merickel |
| Ann Doumanian |
| Eileen White |
| Kathleen Henrikson |
| Carolyn Ridley |
| Peter Craigie |
| Susan Willrich |
| Teresa Stricker |
| Ariel Trost |
| Miles Perkins |
| Daniel Stein |
| Dave Reilly |
| Amy Kaminer |
| Beth Pennington |
| Nora Canty |
| Dana Low |
| Dave Keller |
| Gina Ekberg |
| Donna Williamson |
| Erik Wolfers |
| Melanie Robertson |
| Karen Markopoulos |
| Christine Linnane |
| Bruce Feder |
| Jodi Biskup |
| David Lindenbaum |
| Judith Rosenberg |
| Rebecca Thornborrow |
| Edward Thornborrow |
| Steven Gregovich |
| Elana Woodward |
| Michelle Pacheco |
| Angela Hom |
| Matt Heafey |
| Leslie Quantz |
| Mary Geong |
| Kelly Ellis |
| Karen Mead |
| Will Strimling |
| Connor Smith |
| Leila Hebshi |
| Claire Stephens |
| Katherine Rolefson |
| Veronica Hsieh |
| Iris Chavarria |
| Jan Corwin |
| Anita SooHoo-Cheung |
| Jennifer Fox |
| Lindsey Meyersieck |
| Dana Serleth |
| Margaret Heafey |
| Frank Szerdy |
| Kathy Moody |
| Jennifer Alderman |
| Carol Galante |
| Paul Lahaderne |
| Jason Feder |
| Valerie Corvin |
| Carin Bradley |
| Anne Gritzer |
| Cathy Glazier |
| Ken Meyersieck |
| Ann Hall |
| Claudia Harrison |
| Kristi De Serpa |
| Katie Anderson |
| Elise Lomenzo |
| Adrienne Armstrong |
| Mary Heller |
| Karen Engel |
| Claire Andreas |
| Curtis Schacker |
| Rick Smith |
| Jane Inch |
| Bert Inch |
| Amanda Docter |
| Carole Parker |
| Julia Burke |
| Karen Ellis |
| Dawn Riordan |
| Tami Becker |
| Jody Cornelius |
| Carol James |
| Mary Ireland |
| Dennis O’Conner |
| Jo Ireland |
| Bryan Cantrill |
| Allison Cota |
| Christine Free |
| Pamela Mercer |
| Hilary Cooper |
| Liz and Bert Tuan |
| Patti Edmonds |
| Jennifer Hart |
| Helle Vistisen |
| Paula Woolcott |
| Ellen Mann |
| Cindy Hubert |
| Debbi DiMaggio |
| Anne-Marie Lamarche |
| Alexander Menke Shahan Soghikian |
Shahan Soghikian wrote the following opinion on the search for a new Superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District:
“We owe our children the opportunity to learn in an open, dynamic environment unconstrained by the target of any one learning approach or pre-determined future. They will be artists, scientists, technologists, doctors, writers, athletes, philanthropists or zookeepers because they are inspired by what they learn, who instructs them and their own discovery process in the world. Whether they go to an Ivy League or community college, they need to find their own path. Let’s first and foremost select a great leader who understands the breadth of our community and the wide range of opportunities our children may choose to pursue. Let’s inspire them to learn by creating compelling curriculum led by energetic, forward thinking teachers. Let’s teach them how to think critically, make a good argument, write a compelling statement, and be good collaborators through group projects and team sports & activities. We have the good fortune of being in a community with amazing parents who volunteer their time in many different way to support and build programs embraced by the school district. Let’s all work to insure this open, supportive and collaborative environment continues to be fostered by the new superintendent. Let’s focus on selecting someone with a proven skill set in these areas, not by where they went to school, what they studied or their own personal areas of interest. The world is much bigger than that.”
The 2014 Year End Crime Report documents the continued decrease in the crime rate in Piedmont from 2013, which is welcome news. With this decline in crime there has also been a drop-off in neighborhood watch meetings, 55% from 2013. I think it would help the neighborhood watch participation rate if crime statistics were reported by crime district, as designated on the Map of Major Offenses on page 5 of the report. There are six districts 10001 – 10006 and I have attached the crime report maps for Q3 and Q4 of 2014. The map is cumulative so the Q4 map shows all crime for 2014 and when compared with the Q3 map one can “eyeball” the districts in Piedmont where crime has increased the most over the past quarter, but not easily (see http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/html/govern/staffreports/2014-10-20/crimereport.pdf). I tabulated burglaries the best I could by counting off the map and came up with these district numbers:
It is the directive of City Council that Piedmont achieves a 75% diversion rate of material from its solid waste stream. As the staff report indicates, there has been some fluctuation in the estimate of Piedmont’s annual diversion rate by StopWaste. From my time on the Solid Waste Management Authority Board (SWMA), “outliers” were usually found in some years and corrected by StopWaste staff. To my recollection, the 84% and 69% rates were attributed to a misreporting of tonnage at the landfill and are inaccurate. When those numbers are excluded, the trend of Piedmont approaching the 75% goal is more evident and is paralleled by diversion rates calculated by Republic Sanitary Services (numbers from the RSS 2013 Annual Report).Diversion Rates:
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