Letter: Keeping an eye on school board

1.2, 1.3. Closed sessions: I would hope that this board would provide an opportunity for parties seeking support from the board to try their case in a public meeting.

2.1. Pledge of allegiance - I have no objection to use of the pledge which existed when I attended grade school. (circa 1941).

8. Consent items: The following discretionary items involve expenditure of public funds. They should be removed from the consent calendar. 8.1 (transportation cost from SSE fund), 8.3 (school bus paid through the PTA ? Gas? Driver? Maintenance? Is the District in the Charter business?), 8.5 (360 funds?) , 8.7 ($1,000 from Henry Ford's EIA, SIP & TIIG budgets). 8.8 ($29,750 for Ca MSP Grant Project).

9. Action items:

9.3 Agreement of Godbe Research to conduct a May 3 parcel tax survey … not to exceed $18,000.

This would be a most egregious violation of the public trust! The actions of this board and the importuning of Superintendent Crates stripped money from Parent Groups and wealthy supporters which normally would have gone to items above, and other worthy activities. Save the taxpayers dollars. The parcel tax failed because it lacked financial backing from the very group which was touted as overwhelmingly supportive of the Measure. Members of the Chamber of Commerce, faced with increased rent, turned against the measure.

You may rest assured that I will be monitoring your expenditures, and other activities.

John J. "Jack" Hickey

Emerald Hills