Sun Blog

[steckmom]

This lawsuit makes me so angry.

I can see being disappointed and frustrated with the school board. I can see not liking how the boundaries worked out for one's family.

But to cost the taxpayers of this district money on a lawsuit that is going nowhere infuriates me. I don't buy for a second that the courts will take this seriously. And if the courts do take it seriously, so much the worse for our district.

We elected these officials. We voted for the referendum. We all can read. You would have to have been an idiot to think the boundaries couldn't change. I don't care what was 'implied.'

I guess it's just the American way. I didn't get my way so I'm going to sue.

Gee maybe I can sue because we didn't find WMDs in Iraq.

[d204mom]

I guess that's great if people want to blame residents for this entire debacle instead of the people that have bungled this situation from the get-go.

So many many mistakes, and the mistakes continue. Someone told me that the folks locked out in the cold at the last board meeting came up with the idea. Go figure. By the way, any apology yet from the board or administration for that lastest debacle? If so I must have missed it.

[doctorwho]

steckmom said:

This lawsuit makes me so angry.

I can see being disappointed and frustrated with the school board. I can see not liking how the boundaries worked out for one's family.

But to cost the taxpayers of this district money on a lawsuit that is going nowhere infuriates me. I don't buy for a second that the courts will take this seriously. And if the courts do take it seriously, so much the worse for our district.

We elected these officials. We voted for the referendum. We all can read. You would have to have been an idiot to think the boundaries couldn't change. I don't care what was 'implied.'

I guess it's just the American way. I didn't get my way so I'm going to sue.

Gee maybe I can sue because we didn't find WMDs in Iraq.

Everyone has a right to their opinion, that's why we are here. Let me ask you this uqestion though - do you think for a minute that the concerns expressed say from my area were heard and acknowledged at all ? Did you hear us even mentioned ?

When Owen East ( 2 minutes to our south ) was listed as a 'must fix' yet we don't gt any thought process whatsoever - please tell me again what the option are. Please don't say contact the school officials because many people here have worked with them over the past 3 years - that did not net us even an acknowledgement that our commute was an issue.

Do I hate that it has come to this - yes. Lots of this could have been avoided.

And yes defending this will cost everyone here money...but where's the outrage over walking away from $5M-$6M in attorney fees alone at BB ? Not counting what could be an equal amount of damages ?

People are not idiots. As far as boundaries - in writing - the Sb said the boundaries would not change except minor tweaks - is that not correct ? Maybe we were idiots for believing them -

Also let's not pretend that the site was not 100% sold to us as BB- all kinds of official documents to that effect. Also the SD knew 2 months before the election what BB was going to ask for the land -- did they come back and tell everyone., hey if it's this we can't afford it ? No they told us not to worry they had it covered. Why , because us 'idiots' might not have passed the referendum.

I think your anger is misplaced, but hey, that's just my opinion.

[doctorwho]

sleeplessinnpvl said:

doctorwho said:

btw- some logisitics issues with your thoughts on 9-10 and 11-12 but good out of the box thinking -- seriously

Desperate times call for "out of the box thinking" I'm sorry but I'm just reliving a nightmare I thought I had put to bed two years ago.

Welcome to my areas' world - we thought it was put to bed also, now we are told 1.5 hours on a bus to a school many of us are concerned about the safety of. Your child would not have to attend Metea - corerct ? Hard to be judging some of us unless you have to walk in our shoes. There's a reason plenty of Watts people were there last night, and it has nothing to do with being displaced from NV.

[researching]

steckmom said:

This lawsuit makes me so angry.

I can see being disappointed and frustrated with the school board. I can see not liking how the boundaries worked out for one's family.

But to cost the taxpayers of this district money on a lawsuit that is going nowhere infuriates me. I don't buy for a second that the courts will take this seriously. And if the courts do take it seriously, so much the worse for our district.

We elected these officials. We voted for the referendum. We all can read. You would have to have been an idiot to think the boundaries couldn't change. I don't care what was 'implied.'

I guess it's just the American way. I didn't get my way so I'm going to sue.

Gee maybe I can sue because we didn't find WMDs in Iraq.

You are missing the whole point of this. I am sorry you think that this is only about boundaries. That is an extremely narrow minded view IMO and exactly why the SB and Admin. established the boundaries now. Smoke and mirrors. Some of us have had our eyes wide open since voting for Freshman centers to avoid the need for a 3rd HS. Others eyes were opened when the numbers were not what was predicted for enrollment. Others eyes were opened while watching the legal bungling of 204 during the BB trial. Still more people's eyes were opened when this SB decided to build the school on a site that had been deemed unfit environmentally during the last go around. The list could go on and on of the errors they have made NOT related to boundaries but I would be here all day.

I am grateful that you continue to have the luxury of view this Admin. and SB through rose colored glasses. However, please don't be ridiculous enough to think that this is simply about boundaries. As MANY have previously stated, there isn't a legal case there. No matter how many people are unhappy. But you go ahead and keep those rose colored glasses on while others in this district look out for EVERYONE's best interests and not just best interests based on the narrow minded view about boundary decisions.

[Arch]

The only difference is the price over the available funds which are listed out as close to 150 million dollars.

*THAT* is the only additional cost and that assumes the high jury price.

Everything else is fixed: There will still need to be an operating referendum. That cost is fixed. There will be no walk away costs because that would not be happening.

What was the gap? 12 million? For 124 million we just needed to not eat out once a month, right? what's 1/10th of that? Yup.. miniscule.

[oldmanpotter]

I was at the meeting last night and came away unimpressed and slightly amused. The bozo who ran the meeting accused an unnamed SB member that lives in WE of threatening to outspend any lawsuit. Later the guy admitted it wasn't BG but another SB member. My favorite was a woman who said the judge in the BB trial wasn't on our side and if we could get a judge that leaned in favor of us. Some of the questions asked were very good; others indicated a large number of people just didn's have the facts.
I too was amazed at how quickly the checkbooks opened. This a desperate longshot that even Collins said would be difficult to win. More money down the drain for #204 taxpayers. People just don't want to come to terms that in all reality the Horse has probably left the barn.

[sleeplessinnpvl]

researching said:

steckmom said:

This lawsuit makes me so angry.

I can see being disappointed and frustrated with the school board. I can see not liking how the boundaries worked out for one's family.

But to cost the taxpayers of this district money on a lawsuit that is going nowhere infuriates me. I don't buy for a second that the courts will take this seriously. And if the courts do take it seriously, so much the worse for our district.

We elected these officials. We voted for the referendum. We all can read. You would have to have been an idiot to think the boundaries couldn't change. I don't care what was 'implied.'

I guess it's just the American way. I didn't get my way so I'm going to sue.

Gee maybe I can sue because we didn't find WMDs in Iraq.

You are missing the whole point of this. I am sorry you think that this is only about boundaries. That is an extremely narrow minded view IMO and exactly why the SB and Admin. established the boundaries now. Smoke and mirrors. Some of us have had our eyes wide open since voting for Freshman centers to avoid the need for a 3rd HS. Others eyes were opened when the numbers were not what was predicted for enrollment. Others eyes were opened while watching the legal bungling of 204 during the BB trial. Still more people's eyes were opened this SB decided to build the school on a site that had been deemed unfit environmentally during the last go around.

I am grateful that you continue to have the luxury of view this Admin. and SB through rose colored glasses. However, please don't be ridiculous enough to think that this is simply about boundaries. As MANY have previously stated, there isn't a legal case there. No matter how many people are unhappy. But you go ahead and keep those rose colored glasses on while others in this district look out for EVERYONE's best interests and not just best interests based on the narrow minded view about boundary decisions.

Ok, I guess I am confused as to why a lawsuit has just been discussed about boundaries. Please, would someone explain to me from the NSFOC just what you want? I thought I sat through 2+ hours of talk about how you were mad at the bait and switch and you want the old boundaries back. But you really want to punish the SB for their mistakes? OK, well that's fine. But can you guys think of another way to do that which won't involve my 6th and 7th graders attending school in a sardine can? Hmm...maybe wait until April, 2009 when there is an election?

[steckmom]

I'm not missing the point.

Doc, you know I really feel for your area. I really do. But I don't think this is the answer. Do what you must, but I'm furious.

Maybe if this results in costing the district significant money, some other taxpayers will come up with some grounds to sue NSFOC.

[researching]

oldmanpotter said:

I was at the meeting last night and came away unimpressed and slightly amused. The bozo who ran the meeting accused an unnamed SB member that lives in WE of threatening to outspend any lawsuit. Later the guy admitted it wasn't BG but another SB member. My favorite was a woman who said the judge in the BB trial wasn't on our side and if we could get a judge that leaned in favor of us. Some of the questions asked were very good; others indicated a large number of people just didn's have the facts.
I too was amazed at how quickly the checkbooks opened. This a desperate longshot that even Collins said would be difficult to win. More money down the drain for #204 taxpayers. People just don't want to come to terms that in all reality the Horse has probably left the barn.

Wow is that a defeatist attitude. So what do you propose? We let this Admin and SB run wild and do nothing? Oh, that's right. We've already been doing that and look where it got us.

About the money... I think this is an extremely small price to pay to right the OUTRAGEOUS wrongs this SB has brought about in this district. Are you just as concerned about the amount of damages we will have to pay BB? Doesn't that matter? Remember, this SB is willing to buy the environmental nightmare of property BEFORE we even know what the BB damages are. Do they have that "money tree" my Mom always referred to growing up? If not, where is all of this money coming from?

[researching]

sleeplessinnpvl said:

researching said:

You are missing the whole point of this. I am sorry you think that this is only about boundaries. That is an extremely narrow minded view IMO and exactly why the SB and Admin. established the boundaries now. Smoke and mirrors. Some of us have had our eyes wide open since voting for Freshman centers to avoid the need for a 3rd HS. Others eyes were opened when the numbers were not what was predicted for enrollment. Others eyes were opened while watching the legal bungling of 204 during the BB trial. Still more people's eyes were opened this SB decided to build the school on a site that had been deemed unfit environmentally during the last go around.

I am grateful that you continue to have the luxury of view this Admin. and SB through rose colored glasses. However, please don't be ridiculous enough to think that this is simply about boundaries. As MANY have previously stated, there isn't a legal case there. No matter how many people are unhappy. But you go ahead and keep those rose colored glasses on while others in this district look out for EVERYONE's best interests and not just best interests based on the narrow minded view about boundary decisions.

Ok, I guess I am confused as to why a lawsuit has just been discussed about boundaries. Please, would someone explain to me from the NSFOC just what you want? I thought I sat through 2+ hours of talk about how you were mad at the bait and switch and you want the old boundaries back. But you really want to punish the SB for their mistakes? OK, well that's fine. But can you guys think of another way to do that which won't involve my 6th and 7th graders attending school in a sardine can? Hmm...maybe wait until April, 2009 when there is an election?

So your point is that you want us to make $150 mil mistake so that your 6th and 7th graders don't have to go to school in a sardine can? Interesting priority. I guess the rest of us with 8th graders who have NO hope for relief from the sardine can are fools for looking at what is a right for everyone.

[doctorwho]

steckmom said:

I'm not missing the point.

Doc, you know I really feel for your area. I really do. But I don't think this is the answer. Do what you must, but I'm furious.

Maybe if this results in costing the district significant money, some other taxpayers will come up with some grounds to sue NSFOC.

Then please tell me what the answer for my area is ? The SD- and SB have ignored our situation, and it has been brought to them many times in many different ways. This is a lifetime decision for us too- how are we supposed to just sit down and shut up?

And as I said, you look around that hall yesterday, and the people there 6-12 months ago could have been the same people working for re election of candidates or 2 years ago, working for 204tk -- these are no NO voters or selfish people, I just don't buy that. The SB-SD has forcd people like that to these ends -it's that simple.

Give me an alternative for my area and I'll listen to it...

[doctorwho]

oldmanpotter said:

I was at the meeting last night and came away unimpressed and slightly amused. The bozo who ran the meeting accused an unnamed SB member that lives in WE of threatening to outspend any lawsuit. Later the guy admitted it wasn't BG but another SB member. My favorite was a woman who said the judge in the BB trial wasn't on our side and if we could get a judge that leaned in favor of us. Some of the questions asked were very good; others indicated a large number of people just didn's have the facts.
I too was amazed at how quickly the checkbooks opened. This a desperate longshot that even Collins said would be difficult to win. More money down the drain for #204 taxpayers. People just don't want to come to terms that in all reality the Horse has probably left the barn.

the horse may have left- but he left a mess behind that needs to be cleaned

[d204mom]

archwinsome said:

sleeplessinnpvl said:

Yeah, if I were a "vote no" gal, I would be all over this. Another opportunity to get rid of the 3rd HS. I will continue to preach and people can continue to disagree with me, but it is my opinion that if these people get what they want (to build at BB with the old boundaries) they will really get something else (a now needed new referendum which may now fail and we are left with overcrowded schools and three years wasted)

Even by the Administration's funky math that did not have all costs of MWGEN factored in, the gap was what? $12 million difference at most? That's a cheap referendum. I would venture a guess people would come out of the woodwork to get out the YES vote more in that scenario (back at BB) even for an operating referendum than they would if it goes forward at MWGEN. I base that on the fact that they had to pull from such a large distance away simply to fill the north site and many being pulled were unhappy about it. Those most unhappy would be coming from the central/southern region where the population is greater.

Now, it's entirely possible that under that scenario many supportive of a northern site will flip around and be not supportive of the original site selection again. They'll have another uphill battle again like last time. They could get smart and package all of it together: AC, Construction Gap, and Operating. Something for everyone. Done, move forward and even AC in the ES's. It's "for the children".

Don't forget that the gap is less than $12M as I believe BB came down slightly in price.

[sleeplessinnpvl]

steckmom said:

I'm not missing the point.


Maybe if this results in costing the district significant money, some other taxpayers will come up with some grounds to sue NSFOC.

Wow, funny you should say that steckmom. I was thinking the same thing.

Disclaimer 1: I have had 2 1/2 hours of sleep last night because I tossed and turned and debated whether I should move out of this district, not because of what the SB has done,but rather because of what a group of individuals is trying to do to my daughters' education. Yes, I have an agenda.

Disclaimer 2: I am so emotional right now my hands are shaking so I probably should not be posting anything. I am going to set myself up for being tarred and feathered for this so let me preface this again by saying this is my opinion only.

I finally get what some of the posters have been saying. You guys are tired of not being in control of what happens to your kids. You are not being heard by the SB. The SB has rushed into things without thinking. The SB has spent your tax money unwisely. The school board has presented things to you in one way, but really is focusing on other agendas.

So now, I understand how you feel. But my anger is not directed to the SB like you would hope. Nope, it is now directed at the NSFOC. Why you ask? Because I now see them as a "mini-me" replica of our SB, doing all the things they say are so horrible for the SB to do yet they are doing the same thing.

1. I am now not in control of what happens to my children and where they go to school. NSFOC is now in control. Funny, I didn't elect them to represent me.

2. The SB has rushed into things without thinking. Look in the mirror folks. Checks are flying out the door and who is the small group that is going to represent the 500 families when they talk with the attorney? They stressed time is of the essence to get things done. Hmm....sounds like our SB.


3. Our SB has spent our tax payer money unwisely. I think I could get a few people on this board to agree that the NSFOC is going to be doing the same thing. Funny, though, I don't remember voting these people in.

4. Our school board has done a bait and switch. I'm not sure how to tackle this one yet because I have not seen a lawsuit. I hear environmental issues and see environmental issues on their website but so far I think it is only about boundaries. Are these people taking in money on the premise they care about the environmental issues of the site? If so, they better include some verbage on their lawsuit about that or they have miscommunicated their intentions to the people that may be forking out the dough.

Later edit:
5. Forgot one more. Gotta love the statement on their website that quoted the oh-so-accurate Sun poll of 70% oppose the site. Again, they accuse our SB of only publishing data that supports them. That's the pot calling the kettle black.

That being said, go ahead and tar and feather me. I am a momma bear on the road protecting her cubs. I see this lawsuit as further dividing our district. Before, you had some groups of unhappy people..my guess is 25% of the district. I could be wrong. Now, when people get wind of this, there may be more momma bears from Patterson, Builta, Graham, Steck, Brookdale, etc.(the quiet majority) who are going to come out against you and support the SB because their babies' education is in jeopardy.

Someone at the meeting last night asked about possible repercussions for the WE/TG people if this goes to trial. One of the guys talking or the attorney said there would be no repercussions on that community. I beg you to think again as you are going to be involving the whole district now. I think there will be grave repercussions for you.