Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 3:48 PM
Town Square
Two school district employees refute investigation details
Original post made on Mar 12, 2014
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 3:48 PM
Comments (165)
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Mar 12, 2014 at 4:38 pm
Have already asked the reporter to correct my place of employment. So glad to be at AVHS and not WG!!!
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Mar 12, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Thank you Glenn for the correction.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 12, 2014 at 5:31 pm
This is only the beginning of the truth coming out. The claims by both employees are backed up with proof of of their claims. To me this investigation looks very one sided by the way the it was done. The district is in a lot of trouble, and so are teachers "A" & " B" if they lied to make up this story. I can't imagine what the ramifications could be. I'm sure their identities will be reviled once they have to testify under oath, assuming there's going to be litigation from Vranesh. Who decided to hire this Davidson firm anyway? It sure seems he did a lousy job doin his investation
a resident of Amador Estates
on Mar 12, 2014 at 6:07 pm
An unredacted copy of the report is already circulating. Everyone knows who "Teacher A and B" are.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 12, 2014 at 6:21 pm
It was shocking to see how easy it was to identify the people who were accused of wrong doing with no proof in the so called redacted reports. I was also surprised to see that JV was not the only person targeted.
A big cheers to both Mary and Linda for coming forward
It is outrageous how this has been handled and has continued to be handled.
People of Pleasanton need to stand up and be heard on this issue, these are people that we trust with our children.
The penalty good men/women pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men/women." Plato (women added by me)
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Mar 12, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Many thanks to Mary and Linda for speaking up. I am hoping that others will follow your lead.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 12, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Dave P. is a registered user.
It's really sad that we have to spend time with this rather than educating our children. Kudos to Mary and Linda for speaking up.
What will it take to get rid of our inept superintendent? What about these teachers that behave badly? Maybe they should be given itinerant assignments. Half the board seem to be clueless, indifferent, distracted by day jobs, or are afraid to draw any undue attention since they have ambitions beyond PUSD. I'll certainly keep this in mind during elections!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 2:43 am
Teachers 'A' and 'B' are not to be believed so they are the ones that need to be fired and JV needs to be brought back as principal of Walnut Grove. They appear to have made up the allegations.
-- One of them looks to have had delusions about what was said over the campus wide PA system saying they were 'violent.' Actually JV was reading word for word from a script of a character education curriculum that was purchased by the Superintendent and is read at all elementary schools.
-- When you read the documents on the internet, one of the teachers (apparently the only one who said that Jon used the b word) rambles on and is paranoid, frightened of a man with a leaf blower from the Pleasanton streets department, mentions suicide in the transcript, etc. She needs to be removed from her classroom right NOW. From her statements published in the transcript, she is clearly unwell.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 13, 2014 at 6:09 am
Get rid of the superintendent and bring back the principal.
The only ones suffering from this are our kids.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 13, 2014 at 6:55 am
Thanks to Mary and Linda for their courage.
Let the truth out! Bring Vranesh back!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 7:28 am
I can't help but wonder what is going on with the teacher's union since the change of leadership. There was a CTA rep in the audience during the meeting. Why would he come? Clearly, the union feels impowered after being able to get Vranesh removed after threat to go the newspaper to the Asst Supt. With Bowser trying to get the teacher's endorsement, (if he hasn't received it already), he's just going to put his head down and hope it goes away until after the election. I hope the other two board members are having second thoughts about the situation given that there is evidence coming to light that not everything in the reports is correct. The district doesn't need another lawsuit--I would hope the board would come up with a way to correct this situation which appears to have plenty of holes in it given new information beginning to come forward. I also hope they've learned from this in whatever the issue at Hart is there and how they deal with it..
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:29 am
It's time to get rid of Parvin Ahmadi and her three enablers on the school board and thrwart the terrorist plot to destroy Pleasanton schools from within. Maybe when John Vanresh wins $1M in a wrongful termination lawsuit and these two innocent ladies (and anyone else who was libled/slandered by this so-called "investigation) win lawsuits, the people of Pleasanton will finally wake up.
a resident of Laguna Oaks
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:35 am
Thanks to Mary & Linda for standing up for truth!
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:35 am
Isn't Bowser planning to run for a post he has to be voted in on in order to be on the Alameda County Board? Even if teachers endorse him, it is FOOLISH for citizens to even consider giving him a chance after this debacle!
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:14 am
Bowser's website looks like he is running for head of the teacher's union instead of superintendent.
1 million dollar lawsuit? I think it would be multi million dollar lawsuit. What'a the going rate for a career these days?
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:19 am
Thank you Mary & Linda for coming forward. Through everything I've heard and read my subjective conclusion can only be that the Superintendent and Board have railroaded a good man, done harm to others like these two ladies all to the detriment of the children. I don't see any incumbents returning. How much has it cost the kids so far?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:36 am
Add Peggy Carpenter to the list of those who need to go while "cleaning house" in the PUSD. The good teachers of Walnut Grove and elsewhere deserve deserve honest and ethical representation!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:44 am
I would highly encourage teachers who have previous professional experiences with Mr Vranesh to approach HR and formally document their interactions with him as a fellow educator. As much as some of the Board actively recognize parent support and efforts on Mr Vranesh's behalf, it will be the interactions and testimony from fellow educators/administrators that will stand out in this mess. I realize this is a difficult request to make of those people, but please do consider what is at stake.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:54 am
Where are these documents or tanscripts? Anyone have a web site? thanks
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 13, 2014 at 11:48 am
Transcripts - The documents are at the pusd website (Web Link Use the pull down menu "About our District" and select the last option "Public Records Requests"
My hope is that we all write letters to the PUSD Board and Superintendent. Copy and paste what you have written here. For those of you that have, Thank you!
I have heard some people feel JV is right but want him to resign so this will go away. I hope he doesn't as this situation is wrong. In my opinion this whole mess has affected the whole district and can only get worse. WG is under the control of the delusional complainers mentioned above. They've used the claim of retaliation against others besides JV, to control or ban the people they don't want to work with at the school.
Along the lines of what was pointed out above, some of the interviews claim normal events as evidence of retaliation. There is a LONG bit about whistles, gogurt smeared whistles and the possibility that there might MIGHT be more whistles hanging in a teachers classroom. There was also one left by a sub for a teacher in the office. These incidents were reported as acts of retaliation. I can't believe a whistle has NEVER ended up misplaced or in the wrong place before this happened.
In another part of the report, people were pointing at one of the interviewees and whispering. The Interviewee heard exactly what was said by specific people. This was during the school Halloween parade where the teachers and kids parade around the school in costumes. Yes, the students and teachers get pointed at and talked about. They are wearing costumes. But I guess last October it was considered retaliation. This is a very loud event. Sometimes there is music playing and the whole school population of kids is talking laughing and screaming. I don't see how you could hear what someone said right next to you let alone several feet away as you are passing.
How sad that this has left an environment where in the future someone who is truly a victim of harassment may be hesitant to come forward knowing they won't be anonymous or private. I also can't imagine any principal wanting to make changes at their school in fear that those not liking it will make claims of harassment against him.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 13, 2014 at 12:21 pm
To those who feel that JV is right but hope that he resigns to make this "go away":
From the personal standpoint :do you realize that resignation can be viewed as admission of guilt? How is he supposed to get another job and support his family? Doesn't someone who has done nothing wrong deserve justice in whatever form that may come?
From the standpoint of what is for the greater good: it takes courage to take a chance and expose corruption. In the short term, this situation is hard on JV, his family, Walnut Grove teachers, staff and students and families. But if it serves to bring freedom from unethical leadership, in the long run it is worth the fight
This situation has been botched so badly that we are long past the point of no return. It will not "go away"
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 1:38 pm
If people think this will go away if JV resigns and leaves, what about parents who feel we've been duped? Are we supposed to pull our kids from school and leave too?
I didn't rush to judgement or defense of anyone in this ordeal. How could I? I didn't know what was going on. I trusted that public officials, superintendent et al were doing their jobs in a professional manner. I read the reports and instantly knew my silence was a mistake. The report is a farce and the decisions made as a result of that report even worse.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Mar 13, 2014 at 2:35 pm
What comes through loud and clear is a lack of leadership and, even more alarming, the complete lack of ethics. Why was there no understanding of the judicial process? -i.e. an investigators report that would need to stand up as cast iron evidence in a court of law. Is there any understanding of the cause and effect of her, and the investigators, actions? But far more disturbing to me is the egregious ethical challenges that are on display here -so much for the 'Community of Character' speech in, of all places, our schools. If this approach to running the school district is allowed to continue (keeping in mind the thousands of students, teachers, and support staff that she is supposed to 'lead') then she is going to take the quality of the district right over the cliff- need to recruit quality teachers or administrators?- I don't think so. Why would someone would be playing this kind of political game with employees and, based on the comments on Tuesday, clearly, as a part of the game, doesn't seem to have any hesitation or any second thoughts about throwing hard-working people in the district under the bus, particularly if they get in the way. At this point, I do not see how this community, the board, and every employee in the district can trust her motives, decision making process, ethics, or leadership. As the expression goes, 'People rise to their level of incompetence' -clearly the case here.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Mar 13, 2014 at 3:33 pm
I don't know if anyone has notice PUSD is hiring for several administrative positions currently. With the current leadership coupled with this current hostile environment for all administrators Pleasanton will not attract quality applicants. School districts around the area are watching. Where PUSD used to be a highly desirable district to work for it is not now. Wait until the end of the year and more administrators leave. Very sad for our kids.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 3:38 pm
Has Pleasanton Weekly finished their impartial analysis/investigation of the documents released by the school district?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 4:00 pm
No Brian they have not.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 4:01 pm
A few thoughts (although its hard limit given the number of complaints listed in the report - honestly the whining goes on and on)
1. There is an unredacted report in circulation . . . according to a previous post, parents were called by a fiance . . . So inappropriate. Where is the outrage?
2. Complaintants have potty mouths, read self-named work room is "K-hole" in report.
3. Office staff at in public schools are constantly bombarded with phone calls, student needs and parents, yet they were called out for being "curt" (among other things) by complaintants alleging retaliation. Of course they're curt. They're trying to do their jobs under conditions that would bring the complaintants to their knees. Oh and getting paid a FRACTION of teacher salary.
4. According to report, union rep basically threatened assist. sup. to remove JV or rep would go to the press. Don't threats fall under "hostile work environment?" How could PUSD cave like that?
5. Classified staff was accused of retaliation. Were they ever questioned or allowed any voice at all. Seems a whole lot of ASSUMPTIONS were taken as fact.
6. Did I mention that some of the ladies are reputed to have potty mouths? I wonder if JV was just trying to fit into the same culture which he's being so vociferously accused of not fitting into.
7.Punishments should fit crimes. Careers should be destroyed based on solid, irrefutable evidence, not a text message no one can produce or a few ill-chosen words overheard at a social gathering or on a noisy playground.
8. According to a witness report, an anonymous note started the who thing. A teacher was blamed in what seems like a junior-high mean-girl scheme. Who was this teacher or teachers. Have they taken responsibility for their inaccurate accusations, or does JV have to take the fall while they get to stand around and be pretty?
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Most of the names mentioned here have been tarnished. Careers damaged.
All but the 2 that started it. Who are they?
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 6:42 pm
I don't care if it's a Muslim, Christian, Buddest, or Hare Krishna in the Superintendent's chair as long as they are doing their job.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Mar 13, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Time for the two teachers, the superintendent, and the board to go.
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Kathleen Ruegsegger is a registered user.
Talent will come if there is opportunity to shine. I don't see that the problem will be at the community or the site levels . . . Based on this apparent botched personnel issue, it will be whether that talent can shine despite the governance team.
a resident of Castlewood
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Thank you Linda and Mary. It is not easy to publicly come out, but your doing so had shed a light of truth on a situation that has upset and confused the community and created anxiety among the hundreds of good people who serve the students and families of PUSD. Your actions were brave. It takes guts to stand up to bullying, which in the end is all this is by Parvin and her Cabinet against employees they want out because the union doth require so. Thank you. May your example encourage others to step forward. Many in the district know the truth.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:36 pm
Walnut Grove - CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL. Thanks to JV. That doesn't happen without great leadership. Proof is in the pudding. The state recognizes this as a great school. IF JV was this woman hating, swearing, bullying dictator, I doubt the teachers would've pulled off this award.
What a joke. He is a good administrator. Whatever district he eventually lands in will probably wind up with another CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISED SChOOL award.
Who won't? Pleasanton.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:41 pm
As more of this"investigation" comes to light, it has become clear that the teachers mentioned are no more than bullies. And the School Board acted as their spineless toadies. Rather than conduct a TRUE investigation they chose not to take on the teachers and the powerful union. They took the path of least resistance and simply hung JV out to dry.
As a child, I learned that the way to handle bullies was to fight back---Nice punch ladies!!!!!
a resident of Fairlands Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 8:48 pm
Where are the counselors?
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 13, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Recall that back in December the closed session school board meeting lasted until 3 am only to have the Board determine there was "merit" to the accusers' complaints from the bogus investigator's report. I would love to have been a fly on the wall. What big scary corrupt stuff did the Union hang over the Board's head??
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Mar 13, 2014 at 11:33 pm
Bill Radulovich earned the distinguished schools award. Look it up- varnish did not write any of the application, and it was based on the work before his time. Shouldn't take credit for another man's work. Actually, it's the teachers who did the work.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 13, 2014 at 11:55 pm
According to Duh above, "An unredacted copy of the report is already circulating. Everyone knows who "Teacher A and B" are." How can we get a copy of this?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 7:21 am
I was wondering when one of the teachers was going to surface. Rukidding must be one of the teachers.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 7:23 am
@ Fact Follower - I don't think the Union had to hang any corrupt stuff over the board's head - if so, there wouldn't be two people that dissented. Part of being a leader is being able to stand up when the union or superintendent is corrupt - not do their bidding. Three board members need to go if they are enabling the [Portion removed due to disrespectful comment or offensive language] Superintendent.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 7:23 am
A 2014 distinguished schools award is based on stuff done 5 plus years ago? Seems unlikely. The award is worth nothing then if that's true.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 8:36 am
William Tell - that is racist. Let's keep this an intellectual forum.
a resident of Ponderosa
on Mar 14, 2014 at 8:46 am
When is the next school board election, and who can we begin to rally behind that will be a positive advocate for change?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 9:39 am
@Rukidding, the Distinguished School award is based on the previous 2yrs of operation. Maybe you should look it up and get your facts straight before you post. The award is a group effort, however it was done under JV's leadership and is a reflection of him and his leadership skills.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Mar 14, 2014 at 1:07 pm
They have already advertised this Principals Job once iand no one of quality applied. Shocker!
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 2:59 pm
I met w JV twice. He was great. I've met with many of the teachers tons, they're awesome. I wasn't there, so I will not take sides. However, I am a witness to how awesome the two new Principals are now. Mr. Maher and Mr. Muniz are a shining light to such a sad situation. My kids have never come home and talked about a Principal before now.(we have had 4 since we've been there). I've talked to them a couple times as well. So happy there are people out there putting our kids first.
a resident of Oak Tree Acres
on Mar 14, 2014 at 3:32 pm
I agree with Parent above. It doesn't really matter who has been slandered or wrongfully deprived of their livelihood. If my kids are happy, then I support the behavior of the district's leadership team.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Yes, thanks to Mr. Maher and Mr. Muniz for keeping things positive and together at the school. They are really out there and available to people everyday. Also, thanks to the teachers (some of who are being bashed here) who are staying professional and focussed on the kids. While strange anonymous people are blabbing mean and ignorant things on here, the teachers are in the classroom doing amazing things for our kids. Teachers, stay strong and keep putting the kids first, just like you have been doing! The only people who truly know what happened are JV and the teachers that were there. It's still a great school with teachers who care a lot about our kids.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm
@ also parent
Are you out of your mind? I'm All for kids safty, but to ruin an innocent persons career because you're having a juvenile temper tantrum is completely wrong and unacceptable. If teachers "A" & "B" were behaving the way the report stated, I wouldn't put my trust in them, who knows, you may be one of them
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 4:02 pm
I think a lot maybe even most of the teachers at Walnut Grove are excellent, however the testimony of a few who are just as guilty of the bad behavior they accused JV of are a big black mark on the school as a whole. Except they are still at the school and it has cost him his job as pricipal. Certainly no one was there during the original incidents but the reports reveal the real personality of a few teachers and its not pretty.
My son has asked several times when is Mr Vranesh coming back. It's not a good lesson for children that adults can disappear without a word.
I think on the surface things are fine at WG, I am sure everyone is on their best behavior.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 4:21 pm
"adults disappear without a word"?? Give your child a word. What do you tell him about Santa Clause? This is not a kid issue/burden. There are plenty of age appropriate things you can tell your child to make him feel ok with the situation.
a resident of Oak Tree Acres
on Mar 14, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Hey "What?", you accidentally spelled "ruin" correctly. You should try to be more consistent in your writing.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 4:48 pm
It does matter who has been slandered or wrongfully deprived of livelihood. I'm sure if it happened to your child it would matter to you because your kid wouldn't be happy anymore. Justice is served to those who do wrong. I hope Also Parent is not a friend of mine. What a selfish viewpoint
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Hey Also Parent- If your kids are happy, then you support the behavior of the district's leadership team. Really? Your basing this opinion on whether or not your kids are happy? So because your kids are happy, you think it is ok to let the District leadership team be bullied by the union to remove a principal without concrete facts that he did or said anything inappropriately. I suggest you become more involved in what is going on around you in this district. I'm sure it doesn't matter to you who was slandered or wrongfully deprived of their livelihood because it didn't happen to you. It is disgusting what is happening in our school district and it is parents like you that sit back and do nothing and accept the wrong doing
a resident of Oak Tree Acres
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:02 pm
You're hilarious. Just because you want to raise your kids to be lifelong victims doesn't mean my kids are raised that way. What kind if parent doesn't want their kids to be happy? Sounds like some of you don't have what it takes to be good parents.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Also Parent sounds like the teacher who has posted pro-accuser in past posts. I was tipped off by the snide grammar correcting comments. The Weakly has edited you for that before. Watch out!
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Standing up for what is right is teaching our children to not sit back and be victims. FYI, I don't rely on our education system to instill happiness in my children. If you do, that's your choice. By the way, what kind OF parent doesn't want their kids to be happy, not what kind IF parent doesn't want their kids to be happy.
a resident of Oak Tree Acres
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:30 pm
Watch out, "Really?" BO is going to accuse you of being a teacher if you keep correcting people. "Teacher" must be a four letter word to BO
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Of course I told him there were staffing issues at the school. Why should I be the one to explain what is going on when I wasn't the one to make the principal go away? I am curious why my comment made you so hostile?
Because there is a now a full time vice principal of course that should mean both he and the principal should be more accessible . That being said I certainly had "access" to the former principal every time I needed.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 6:26 pm
All I no is that the schools are supposed to be educating my kids. When my kids come home with bad scores, that's on the schools. I'm tired of the Saturday make up sessions for kids who didn't do there home work. I've got news for the hole lousy bunch of unionists: Education doesn't happens at home. Its the teacher's responsibility. I pay outrageous house prices to get my kids in a school to be educated, and all they can bring home is yellow slips trying to make me, the PARENT, feel responsible for the job THE UNION POTTY MOUTHS DONT DO. Fire Ahmadi, and get rid of the whole lot of union pampered lazies in the class room. Until there's a place to shine, nothing good will come from this.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Mar 14, 2014 at 9:16 pm
It's about time the truth comes out. I've had two under Mr. vranesh's "care" because that's what it is before he went to Walnut Grove and with 17 years with kids in PUSD he is the single best administrator I have worked with. Teachers A and B probably didn't want to deliver on JV's high standards and expectations he placed on himself, his student and his staff. Begat better way to get rid of him than by doing what they did.
Mr. Vranesh: the people of this town with kids knew the truth before it came out. I hope you sue the school and both teachers. This is the one single time I think school funds should be spent outside of the classroom for the witch hunt you've dealt with. Thank you for what you did for my daughters and all the other kids under you CARE. No parent I've talked to ever doubted you.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 14, 2014 at 10:25 pm
OK, no doubt in my mind now -----> CLEARLY the board members are over their heads. This has turned into a 3 ring circus. .. so we have an investigation that was not really a good one, teachers A & B, who have some credibility issues, and a principal who has been placed in limbo land and if fired would probably not be able to get another job anywhere. The board members totally muffed this thing up. If you find cause, you terminate, if you don't then you don't. In the long run, this is going to cost PUSD money either way...... I say get rid of the incompetent board members... since day one, they were secretive, non-communicative and not clear on what is going on. They could have handled this a lot better than they did. We need to get rid of them.... ALL OF THEM.... these guys are over their heads and have no clue how to handle this.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 11:17 pm
Right you are Pleasantonian, because the facts are all in and judgeing from the comments on this board, the whole three ring circus has to go. It's clear in my mind, and so everyone should agree with us, fire the board, get rid of the unions, and save Pleasanton a boat load of money. Also, I think the grades given in the district over the passed 4-5 years should be resinded so as to put my kids on a equal playing field with the union kiss-ups who always get the better grades. The union teachers use something like unfinished home work to hammer down so many kids like mine. They haven't learned yet that the role of school is to educate, and the role of parents is to agitate after they're kids get penalized for not doing simplistic home work. We need to let the district no that Pleasant parents on this thread want the union corruptoes to go. Now! Wake up! The people have spoken. And we have all the facts at our disposal.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 14, 2014 at 11:19 pm
I wrote "We need to let the district no" but it should be "We need to let the district know" Regards, Fed Up
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 15, 2014 at 5:34 am
Two kindergarten teachers started this. What occurred is that one teacher made this up after JV sent an email last spring to all Walnut Grove parents saying he would no longer take specific teacher requests from parents. The K teacher who has a child at the school DEMANDED, yes DEMANDED that she be allowed to pick her own child's first grade teacher, and hand pick that child's teacher every year that the child would be at Walnut Grove complete with tantrums, antics, making up false accusations, whatever it takes to get her way.
And I'm sure she is now making the same demands of Steve Maher....after all, these two K teachers run the entire school, don't they?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 15, 2014 at 6:38 am
Thank's " Clear JV's name NOW!" What you said helps clear the fog, and it matches all of the accusations from people who said they knew the starting point of this issue. I didn't know for sure, but only what others had been saying. I wonder if the requesting for the 1st grade teacher was for educational reasons, or if it there was other personal reasons to it. If unions allow this type of behavior, and protect these individuals from any type of reprimand for such behavior, then yes the union must go too
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 15, 2014 at 10:15 am
Once the damage is repaired, once a new school board is seated, once a new superintendant and Cabinet is in charge, the road to recovery can begin. I really hope the aforementioned can happen. One of the first items if business is clearly implementing advocacy and protection for principals. They clearly need this assistance to lead effectively for the good of education and for the good of our children
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 15, 2014 at 11:25 am
Clear says it perfectly. From what I hear others saying, and given that all the facts are now preety much in, its clear that union teachers are feeding there kids into classrooms where they'll get preferred treatment. This scues all grades in the district. The district needs to resind all grades given. Either that or give everyone a "A" for there course work, even if they missed home work assignments which shouldn't be any big deal.
As others are saying theirs no way to move foreward unless the super is replaced, the union driven out, and all grades resinded especially for kids 6th to 10th grade who maybe won't get into college because of all the favoritism that led to this outrageous state of affairs. Let people shine and they'll give off a glow. This can't happen when union teachers are feeding there own mostly minorities into the good colleges.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Mar 15, 2014 at 11:37 am
Further to Joe's comments, hard working people were thrown under the bus; not given a chance to explain, or participate in any kind of proper airing without first being accused. During the course of a work day, stuff breaks, gets overlooked, mistakes are made and corrected, etc. Not really part of a retaliation conspiracy, just life. Sad for the people who work really hard.
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 15, 2014 at 2:25 pm
We all know that unions are great at keeping the unemployable employed. Get rid of the teachers union and let's see how many teachers can stand on their own merit.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 15, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Linda and Mary were absolutely thrown under the bus, as well as JV and many others, according to the investigator's report. How many of us would have had the courage to come forward? Those who are willing to put their names out there in an effort to defend themselves are taking a big risk at how they'll be treated in the future. I'm sure they thought about it long and hard before doing the right thing. I agree with Hilly and Joe, daily routines and conversations have been altered by "A and B" as well as the District's investigator who was no doubt told to "make it ugly". If the teachers were so sure they were wronged, why didn't they have they courage to stand up and be counted? Especially with their powerful union behind them? Because they're cowards. JV never had a chance. Linda and Mary have more courage in their collective pinkie fingers than all the teachers/district who caused this shameful debacle. What goes around comes around. The "House of Cards" that is currently the district is awfully wobbly due to the strong right hook delivered by these awesome women.
a resident of Fairlands Elementary School
on Mar 15, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Kindergarten teachers and counselors seems to be the ones people trust the most. So strange.the truth is out now. Lawyer up ladies.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 15, 2014 at 4:58 pm
The only board member who was analyzing the situation was Valerie Arkin. She voted against the first decision to take JV out of his position, and all other decisions against him. From what I have heard, Arkin was the reason that closed session went until 3 in the morning. The super wanted a 5-0 vote and Arkin would not give in. I heard the superintendent and other board members spent all those hours trying to wear her down, and pretty much told her the closed session would not end until she caved in. I am so glad that she did not cave in. We need other board members like Arkin who will not just rubber stamp the administration.
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Mar 16, 2014 at 7:50 am
I'm glad that these women came forward and spoke up. That took a lot of nerve to do. I'm also proud of Jon Vranesh for fighting these accusations standing upright and on his feet, rather than be forced to his knees by a couple of self serving childish teachers whom have a powerful union backing them. I hope at the least, the names of the wrongfully accused will be publicly cleared, and the bad apples removed from the school so as not to spoil the whole bunch. Furthermore a clearing out of the district to allow others in that deserve to run the PUSD where our kids can once again be put first
a resident of Amador Estates
on Mar 16, 2014 at 5:32 pm
There are two sides to every story. This one seems to have many sides. Its all so confusing. The only thing I know for sure is that this too shall pass and thank God for that.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 16, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Trivalley-tv.org has the meeting from last Tuesday up. If you didn't see it live, you can see for yourself. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, just click on "community" and you will simply see the speakers. Let your friends know. The only way to get change is to keep asking for it and knowledge is power. Maybe eventually they will listen.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 16, 2014 at 7:28 pm
I just watched the speakers present their comments on the PUSD website, click on Board Meetings/agendas, then click on Chapters, March 11, 2014. Wow. People should definitely see it, it does bring some understanding to the matter. These ladies were right to come forward.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 16, 2014 at 8:35 pm
I hope both Linda and Mary inspire more staff to come forward with their stories. I understand the fear but I know their are more stories and it seems parents don't have much of a voice at the district level. Healing will occur when the real truth is out.
What bothers me the most is by the time these reports were made about other staff members, teachers A and B (and the rest) knew the power of their words as they already had JV removed from this job, yet they still unjustly accused others of creating a hostile work place.
It's clear who has been creating a hostile work place and it wasn't JV or the other staff members that were accused.
Web Link
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 16, 2014 at 8:59 pm
Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe have suffered emotional distress because of the blatant lies of Teachers A and B and the Superintendent's negligence in having an inept so-called "investigator" [who got his start in a Santa Cruz bar (read his website]) produce a report with their PUSD attorneys Louis Leone and Kingley Bogard full of bogus, unsubstantiated, outrageous lies.
It is time for the superintendent to turn in her resignation tomorrow morning along with the Cazares, Faraghan and all of the other appallingly inept staff members that were part of this, have the board re-instate Jon Vranesh immediately, and have disgusting liars Teacher A and Teachers B immediately removed from their classrooms.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 16, 2014 at 10:51 pm
I agree with Clear JV. Our kids have been made to suffer too much. Resind all grades in this misfunctional system and give kids a chance to do better than they did under the union goons who have brought all this about. Saturday make up sessions because of missed home work is just a way for the unions to get overtime for all the corrupt teachers who can think of nothing better then to penalize kids for not doing there homework. Free our children. Fire everyone top to bottom, except JV unless he was behind the Saturday sessions. And the unions must go. Why the stress on home work anyway? My kids don't need to suffer for this!!! Look at the facts everyone!!!
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 7:48 am
Fire everyone? Let me guess JV was behind the Saturday school? I had no idea there was Saturday school probably because my kids do their homework. No need to throw the baby out with the bath water. But I do agree with you that homework is of limited value as many studies confirm.
I wish some folks would stop using this forum as their playground. There is no need to be over the top, just state your case. Otherwise you come off as petty and vindictive as the teachers did in the investigator's reports.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 17, 2014 at 8:56 am
to parent and also parent. You are what is wrong with this world. I mean really how can anyone be so selfish. This is not the pleasanton I grew up in thanks to selfish people such as you. It doesnt matter if people's life's are ruined as long as my kid is happy. REALLY REALLY!!!!!! And you were clueless enough to put that in print. This is the attitude that is the demise of the american culture. I DONT CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT ME AND MY KIDS your disgusting. Please print your real name so i can avoid you. What a bunch of jerks. Oh yea and dont bother to respond cause i dont care as long as my kids are happy WOW
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 17, 2014 at 9:46 am
Is this Board and Superintendent who we want as the leaders of education in our Community of Character? NO! This conclusion is valid even if you don't know Jon Vranesh and can't speak to his character, or know the other players involved. Read the report. What happened CAN NOT be determined by these reports. The claims are unsubstantiated and as Ms. Pipe and Ms. Snell have demonstrated, some are deginitely false. If you aren't convinced, the pettiness of claims by the same teachers regarding retaliation should do it. To take this report and use it to discipline and excuse Jon Vranesh is negligent.
The Board is hoping this will die down, that we will all take the stance of Also Parent and just not care. Let's not give them permission to pull these antics by our (the communities) short attention span! How soon can a change be made in the Board and Superintendent? It can't come soon enough!
NOTE: It does sound like Valerie Arkin may be an exception to this.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 11:32 am
Really? It is a known fact that JV did not have anything to do with the Distinguished School application. The team called upon Bill Radulovich to aid in the penning of the application. They met and wrote for two+ days - much of the wording was taken from the previous application for the Award given under Mr. Radulovich's leadership and was due to the fact that all of the programs cited were a result of Mr. Radulovich's leadership. I have not personally worked with or met JV, but I was a VERY involved parent during the "Mr. Rad" years - or as the staff refers to them: The Golden Years. It seems as there are no winners in this very sad situation. I feel badly for all those involved.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 12:09 pm
First of all a "team" at WG had much better things to do this year then apply for an award and it's completely ridiculous a principal from years ago was pulled in to help get the award if that is true. It makes no sense that the award wasn't applied for during Radulovich's time at the school of it's based on his programs. It is also ridiculous that teachers were given time off their classroom duties to work on what you say is a recycled application. An application that must have been rejected as the school has not received the award since 2002. Sine the award is supposed to be based on the previous 2 years you make it sound like the current application is fraudulent.
If WG receives the DS award this year it will mean the award is useless as this has been any thing but a Distinguished school this year.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 17, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Please...."A Former WG Parent" and "Get Real".....the Bill Radulovich years were NOT "The Golden Years!!!!"
They were the years of "The Flaming Narcissist" displaying in the light of his GLORY! Wait! The emperor has no clothes! No one was allowed to speak the real truth. Most teachers survived by going underground. From who was there......bwahaha!!!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Someone wellspoken should make themselves heard at the joint meeting tonight. There is a public comment session where citizens can voice their concern about the downward spiral of Pleasanton schools under Ahmadi's dictatorship, I mean , leadership.
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 17, 2014 at 1:14 pm
@"get real". The only "team" at WG is the team that made up lies to get rid of JV and my guess is your friends with that team
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 17, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Sorry, comment was directed to "a former WG parent"not at "get real"
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Walnut Grove received the Distinguished School Award in 2002. Mr. Radulovich was principal from 2000 - 2009. Many of the current school programs and after school programs that make WG such a great school were instituted under his leadership. If WG receives the Distinguished School Award, it is because the entire staff has continued to provide the students with a quality education - a reputation the school has had for many years. I personally hope they receive the award - maybe it will help them heal from this very troubling year.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Don't forget entire staff also includes the Principal, from the last 3 years as well as the other staff members who were targeted by a select few.
An award is not going to heal anything. Healing will occur with re-instatement, public apologies and financial compensation for the hardship cause by a select few with a vendetta.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 3:58 pm
I have followed this WG fiasco from the beginning. I would like to know if Mary and Linda did get the apology, letter for their file and confirmation of protection from going forward that they sought. While I don't know Linda, I can say that Mary is a top notch human being and has always been amazing. To see her name be drug through the mud by "teachers A & B" is outrageous. Teachers A & B might want to stop pointing out the (invisible) speck they see in other's eyes and start looking at the planks in their own. JV has a reputation that is worth standing up for. Mary has a reputation worth standing up for. Teachers A & B... no. Wasn't it enough to ruin one man's livelihood with your inaccurate statements? Did you have to throw around a little more mud to try and tarnish the reputation of some additional innocent people?
a resident of Downtown
on Mar 17, 2014 at 4:51 pm
That's it!!!! I'm moving me, my family, and our well-trained and always restrained dog all to Mississippi. They don't have teachers' unions there. That's why Mississipp does so well on SATs and other objective indicators of educational succuss.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 5:16 pm
What area of Mississippi will you be moving to? Will it have the same socio-economic status as Pleasanton. If so I am sure your family and well trained dog will do just fine on the SATs.
We love to talk about how well our students do on tests but it probably has more to do with the SES of Pleasanton than the quality of teaching.
I am all for unions but I think the principals should have one too, just to even the playing field.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 17, 2014 at 6:43 pm
This is not really a union issue. It is an administration issue. We are paying the senior administrators around $200K per year with two months of vacations per year (their contracts are for 220 days of work per year). I would expect some quality people in those positions that would not allow what has occurred to happen.
If unsubstantiated claims were made by Teachers A & B, those teachers should be fired 'for cause' immediately and hope that JV's attorney files civil cases against those who lied.
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Mar 17, 2014 at 7:08 pm
I do know Ms. Pipe -she is the person who ran the bottle and can recycle at WG for a number of years that raised nearly $20K that went straight back into the classrooms at, of all places, Walnut Grove. Lot's of outside work experience before starting in the district and highly educated -exactly the type of person this district needs. Based on my interactions with her, she's a really nice person and this shouldn't be happening to her.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 7:40 pm
Dear All,
Linda and I cannot thank you enough for your incredible support and positive comments. We are humbled by the attention generated by our issue and are eternally grateful to our wonderful community. To find ourselves portrayed as ugly human beings to build the credibility of two sad individuals is simply despicable. We will not accept it. It's just wrong. Again, to our community, thank you.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 9:23 pm
I don't think the last comment is by the real Ms Snell ...
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 9:54 pm
I think that the District better write those letters as Mary Snell and Linda Pipe requested, should put back Jon Vranesh as Principal of Walnut Grove, should remove the two lying teachers (if they can lie about this, think what they can make up about the kids and parents in their own classrooms), fire the two lying teachers, and the Board should put the Supt and Deputy Supt on leave, hire an interim Supt from outside the District, and should immediately fire Kingsley Bogard, Leone and Stubbs plus the 'investigator.'
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 17, 2014 at 10:05 pm
I really hope it's not or I would be very concerned about the professionalism of this person. This blog is not exactly a reflection of "our community." Let's hope it's not the real Mary Snell. It would not surprise me at all if one of the frequent posters on here posting the same things under so many different names would use Ms. Snell's name as another way to get their point across. Clearly, nobody is safe. I find it ironic that as parents we are so concerned about kids and online bullying, yet it's tolerated and possibly encouraged on our local newspaper. Reading through these messages is sickening.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 10:12 pm
Go to Web Link and click on "Community" and listen to their speeches. Mary Snell and Linda Pipe have been defamed by Teachers A and B and clearly the PUSD was negligent in not verifying or in any way corroborating the accusations made by Teachers A and B against Mary Snell and Linda Pipe (or anyone else apparently including Jon Vranesh).
It is absolutely appalling that Teachers A and B blatantly lied about Mary Snell and Linda Pipe.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 17, 2014 at 10:16 pm
There is every sign that the community is preparing to march in support of getting the resignations of the Board and a de-sertification of the union. In the many years I've read these posts, I've never seen such a ground swell of community displeasure with our so called leaders. It is only a matter of days, neigh hours, before we spontaneously meet on Main and march for the liberation of our kids from the union dupers who make it so difficult for our kids to get into college. No more trumped up charges against JV! No more mal-lining people who are antiunion! No more trumped up excuses for Saturday home work make up sessions. The community is speaking, and we demand to be heard! Blanket resinding of all corrupt grades given out to students over the passed five years~! We're fed up and not going to take it any more!!!!!!!
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 8:36 am
Dear Sickened,
I have no idea if that is the real MS who made that post or not but I see nothing wrong with it if it was. If you are concerned about professionalism are you also concerned with the professionalism of the teachers who made outrageous remarks that were detailed in the reports and documents now available online?
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 18, 2014 at 10:13 am
My family would also like to thank Linda and Mary for having the courage to stand up to the two teachers and do what is right. I think this is the first step in totally vindicating Jon Vranesh - the writing is on the wall. Mary pointed out that there is "plenty" in the documents that was fabricated. Such a shame. I hope the nightmare for JV and his family comes to an end soon, and he walks away with an extra few million in his pockets.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 11:16 am
I just re-read the documents and it's 6 teachers, not just 2 that are making up these lies! Witnesses number 10,12,13,15,19, and 25 all heard JV calling other staff members a b*tc*. Where I work, my boss is always going around calling us that and it's totally okay. It is absolutely fine in 2014 that managers do this as a way to get their point across and keep the staff in line. If that is how JV felt, of course, he should be expressing himself at work, after all, he's in charge! I wouldn't want him to have to hold it in. Or maybe all 6 of these teachers are just making it up, not 2, but 6. They are just doing it for fun, obviously it's a lot of fun for them! They all got together, teachers of our children, to make up all of these many lies. Please, bring JV back, I really want him around my kids and their teachers! yay
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 18, 2014 at 11:33 am
Wonder if other staff members AND WG community members that unsubstantiated claims were made against by the Interviewees will also demand apologies. I hope so. I also hope they do it piecemeal so the board can't claim this issue is going away and not an issue anymore.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 11:52 am
Reduced to spewing at a keyboard that which won't hold up in public
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Absolutely! Who cares if it's 2 or 6 or 66 that are saying JV used the b**ch word. That's his right as the boss. My boss is always telling holocaust jokes to his staff, but that's his right. He's the boss! When I've heard him call some of his subs b**ch, I just think they probably deserve to be called that. Because they're not working hard enough, or they disagree with him.
The question now is when the march for justice will occur. Since there are hundreds of readers contributing to this thread, and many thousands of readers who just read but don't have anything to say, it shouldn't be difficult finding, well, based upon the above, and assuming one contributor is probably responsible for 90% of the posts, we should be able to get 3 or 4 marchers. But that's how movements for justice work. We need to smash the unions, squash them, because without the unions there wouldn't be liars. Unions are communist and encourage their workers to lie all the time. Justice, now! March, now! No more penalties for missed home work assignments! No more Saturday sessions for kids who don't do their home work over the week! Resind all grades!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 12:57 pm
6 teachers is one of them ~ How exactly would pointing out that 6 teachers separately stated that their principal had used the word B**ch in reference to other staff members at the school, be something that wouldn't hold up in public? I'm just curious, do you think that it's okay for a principal to say that? Or do you think that it's a conspiracy of teachers and all 6 of them lied? Please, I'm wondering your thought process here. I'm a member of the public and where I work, the boss gets fired for saying that. I also do not believe that 6 teachers lied. Thankfully I'm not affiliated with WG but 6 teachers don't get together and lie like this. The board was right to remove him.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Mar 18, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Based on the 8,000+ views and 100+ comments, it is clear that there are many in the community who are following this. To the point made by Concerned, what is important is keeping this in front of the community. People need to be attending and voicing their anger, displeasure, and support at Board meetings. A huge amount of heavy lifting has been done with the 2 employees who have already taken a huge risk and spoken out but the community needs to continue to raise their voices and let the Board and the DO know how you feel.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Actually, multiple documents contain Teacher A and Teacher B. Also, what happened is that the 'investigator' repeated the allegations of Teacher A and Teacher B to everyone interviewed and other people said they were repeating hearsay based upon what Teachers A and B said JV said.
Along with slandering Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe, these Teacher A and B individuals also claimed they heard PA announcements none of the other 700+ people heard on campus, were afraid of emails about a 'whistle,' and were fearful because an unnamed man with a leafblower was out to get them because he blowed leaves too close to their car. Oh yes, also they claimed that people were turning the heat up too high or making it to cold in their classroom because people were out to get them.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 1:29 pm
Clear JV's name ~ I suggest that you read the documents again. I did some analysis of them and it is very clear that there were 6 SEPARATE teachers who DIRECTLY heard him use this language. I suggest you use a pen and take some notes as you are reading. I was aware that some were the originals being interviewed again and I did not include those. I also did not include the (multiple) other teachers who heard rumors and were repeating what they had heard and were upset with him over other issues. It is clear that 6 separate teachers heard him say this directly.
The other issues that teachers A and B have are not even at play here. I'm just talking about the 6 that heard him call others a B**CH. Read it again. Numbers 10,12,13,15,19,and 25 are all separate people, as the previous posted said. Again, do you think this is okay for him to do or do you think 6 teachers are lied?
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Mar 18, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Come on now, who's going to be the one the posts the names of "Teacher A and Teacher B"
What's the big deal about putting their names out there.
If they are confident in their accusations then surely they won't have a problem with standing up here and having their names out there!!
The two ladies, and they ARE ladies, don't have a problem with their names being here. So why not the ones that are tossing around these accusations.
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Edy, I've followed this case off and on as the posts appear on the Pleasanton Weekly. A LOT (way more than 6) of WG Teacher and Staffs names have appeared in the posts now and then. Those posts are quickly pulled (disappear). It is the right thing for PW to do. A lot of these names are of teachers who are NOT involved. Even IF we do happen to post the correct names, it would be wrong. Let's not respond to Teacher A and Teacher B's bad behavior with similar bad behavior. Let them sink in their own mess.
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Concerned why is it wrong for the accused names to be posted but not the accusers?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:30 pm
I know, let's post the names of all 6 teachers that heard him call someone a b**ch. Let's also post the names of all of the people that he called a b**ch. The surprising thing about all of this is that they are mostly different people. Then, let's get rid of all of those b**tches and bring JV back!
a resident of another community
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:32 pm
Read the public record! Teachers (plural) made specific complaints about name-calling, threats, other outrageous and unacceptable conduct by an elementary school principal. The investigation corroborated those complaints; multiple teachers overheard and witnessed conduct that would not be acceptable in a locker room, much less an elementary school. I wonder if those attacking the district would be singing a different tune if they (or their daughters) were the targets.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Yes, check the reports and you will see the teachers guilty of the same backstabbing, gossip and threats that they claim was committed by JV. I can get over how foolish and petty most of the statements are in those reports and transcripts
Remember Jon V was not the only target-- There were at least 5 others including Mary and Linda targeted. It appears if you pointed at someone in a Halloween Parade they were going to report you!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Actually, the person interviewed in document8.pdf posted 2/14/2014 is the only document that claims to have firsthand knowledge of this.
She describes in almost hysterical terms the movement of a shade structure, refers to someone as "Grandpa" (not sure who, the interim principal?), then describes violent words like wrist slitting, concussions and such terms such as 'bludgeon' that no one else seems to hear. She also appears to cry a lot.
Then there are other documents saying JV does not actually say these things but people subliminally think that he might be thinking these things. And then there are documents saying that people subliminally think they might be 'in' or 'out' but no one hears him actually say these things.
In other documents, people describe the person interviewed in document8.pdf as saying things that 'outlandish' and say they keep their distance from her because of this.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Are you people not able to fully read the documents posted on the school board website? It is clear that numbers 10,12,13,15,19,and 25 all directly and first-hand heard JV call someone a b**ch. Not second-hand, but first-hand. Other interviews said they heard it second-hand but not first so that is not included in these numbers. Others had other complaints but that is not even included here. Please people, take the time to read the AMOUNT of teachers that have complaints here. It really is not just 2. I guess some people who rather just comment on here than actually sort through it. It is a long and difficult read but when 6 + separate teachers are saying the same thing, I believe them.
Also, please answer my question. Do you think it's okay for the principal to call teachers the B word or do you really believe at least 6 teachers are fabricating this? How exactly do you justify this in your head?
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 3:49 pm
I have read each and every word of the documents. I saw one person say JV was a "small man" say he had no friends when he attended WG as a kid, I saw things like "she supports him but if she knew what he said about her she wouldn't". If you add in the fact not one of these teachers made a report about hostile work or bad language until the union came looking for statement it casts a huge net of doubt on the allocations of a few.
Many staff and teachers say they have never heard him use foul language or violent imagery. Also add in the fact no others from the past decade of His time at the PUSD have ever made such allegations and again it's reasonable doubt..
And remember JV was not the only one targeted!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Clearly the union has conspired to collect numerous teachers for purposes of lying and doctoring documents. The teachers, afraid of antagonizing the union, has succumbed to the pressure of the communist organization. They've doctored the documents, just like they've cooked the books by enabling there own kids to get into college while mine are frozen out after spending Saturday session after Saturday session as punishment for not turning in homework.
Those of us who care are hearby announcing the Community to Re-Instate A-as-in-Excellent Vranesh for use of Excellent Nouns ---- CRAVEN. CRAVEN and all other interested parties will be holding our first community protest march on Thursday, Mar 20th, meeting at 1:00 O'clock at the intersection of Main and Angela. Its time CRAVEN stands up against the union communists and demands Vranesh's re-instatement, along with desertification of the teachers union until a time when a full boar investigation flushes out all the guilty conspirators. Be there or be square. Put your feet where your mouth is!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 3:56 pm
Last ditch desperate attempts being made.....
a resident of Mohr Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 4:06 pm
The word 'crazy bitch' is used by some teachers and at PUSD to refer to PTA board members at their school or mothers of students who have SSTs or IEPs or some use this word to refer to the superintendent. I have never heard anyone say that Jon Vranesh has used this word.
I am completely baffled by the document8 references to the Resurrection of Gandhi. What is this? This person does not seem of sound mind.
I have read the documents with all of this talk of clubbing living beings with sticks, slitting wrists, suicide, bludgeoning, etc. etc. and wonder if the staff are talking about the morbid curriculum that the PUSD has adopted. At least at Mohr, the grade curriculum includes bludgeoning animals over the head with clubs, suicide rituals involving children over age 14 killing themselves over the 'blood tax' and a lot of discussion involving pirates, losing limbs, and headless corpses tossed out to sea.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 8:46 pm
- "Superintendent's Findings: "No employee identified any of the complainants as having a bias to make false allegations." Apparently they missed all of the witness comments/complaints regarding Discovery, Common Core, PTA Funds (none of these were Vranesh's call), security, etc.
- The "Independent Investigator's" report is 86 pages long (all his narrative, does not include the interviews). No summary of facts, no bullet points. Was it intentionally written to be difficult to read or does he lack communication skills ? Here's a quote from the investigator, not a witness: "A very strong articulate woman...these are the type (sic) of individuals Vranesh has a problem with." Funny though, that describes Linda and Mary. The report also includes numerous hearsay comments which are inadmissible in court and should not have been included.
- Witness 8: "The allegations he is facing are completely unfounded."
- Witness 9: "I find him to be a very honorable man."
- Only one person, Vranesh, made statements under penalty of perjury.
- Countless individuals have spoken at board meetings in support of Vranesh. Nobody has spoken against him. His accusers have not spoken at board meetings.
- The "Investigator" failed to interview all parties involved including staff members like Linda and Mary
- Bill Faraghan is Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. His job is to prevent this. He needs to be fired with cause.
- Why wasn't the alleged inflammatory text included in the report? At least produce phone records from the accuser and Vranesh to determine if a text was sent from Vranesh to the accuser that day.
- Nice blogs under multiple names by some of the teachers. Exactly what the fiance of a WG teacher accused others of doing when he called them at home to try to dissuade them from speaking in support of Vranesh(as publicly stated at a board meeting).
"The truth shall set you free."
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 9:06 pm
Yes check the reports ~ So you think that all 6 + teachers are lying about hearing their principal say someone was a b**ch. You do realize that is what you are saying? They were all very clear about what they heard first-hand and describe feeling shocked and uncomfortable with it. I completely agree with you about the lack of respect and bad things they said about him, such as your example of him being a "small man" etc. I wonder why they would say such things about him? Perhaps because he was going around calling other teachers a b**ch! Apparently, while he is allowed to call people names all 6 of these teachers who heard this are not supposed to say anything bad about him and are supposed to continue to respect him as their principal. When somebody calls my wife or daughter a bi**h, I would say a lot more about that person than , "small man", and that is for sure! Again, this is 6 teachers and not 1-2 like you would like everyone to believe. Read the reports. It is 6 separate witnesses document number 10,12,13,15,19, and 25. All of them heard this man call others the B word and much more. Just because he behaved around other people and they did not hear this language does NOT mean it didn't happen to these 6 witnesses. Also, you do not know that he didn't have incidents at his other school sites, he probably did and it finally caught up with him.
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Mar 18, 2014 at 9:34 pm
I think some are lying and some must have an over active imagination. If these accusations "really" did happen, then I'm sure they would've followed the proper channels and followed protocol to address the complaint, but that didn't happen just like the accusations didn't happen. It sounds like you're somehow connected to one of the teachers by your comments. My guess is they'll have plenty of time to publicly recall all of their lies on the witness stand
a resident of Country Fair
on Mar 18, 2014 at 9:37 pm
@wondering, it is very obvious that you are either related to or friends with one of the teachers involved in these documents. Given the lies that they said about Mary and Linda in addition to the lies involving PTA, I fully believe that these 6 people, who are probably all friends, are lying about their interactions with JV. I find it hard to believe that if JV had really said these things and created a hostile work environment, why these 6 people took so long to come forward given how strong their union is. Of course when you are collaborating your lies, it takes time to get your stories to match!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 18, 2014 at 9:39 pm
Actually PUSD keeps modifying what it is allowing to be downloaded, but from the original documents uploaded to the website 2-14-2014, there is only one person who says she heard him say this word. I found the account not credible. Also, it looks the school counselor is the one with the internet Pandora Music account with bitch and prostitution-related song lyrics, not Vranesh.
From the posting about the violent curriculum above, I googled Mohr Elementary and exactly like the poster above stated, found extremely graphic course content including killing and torturing children 14 years and above. Here is the web location of one of the test study guide Word documents: Web Link
Some of the test questions given to K-5 students are:
What is the blood tax? What happened if the natives did not produce what Columbus wanted?
Answer - Natives 14 years+ had to fill a copper bell with gold/gold dust every 3 months or they were tortured and/or killed
How did Magellan and Cabrillo die?
Answer - Cabrillo: Died on Channel Island from blood poisoning after breaking his arm/shoulder
So it seems that the Supt, Douglas and Cazares has turned K-5 course materials into lessons on torture, death and killing for the union teachers to give to K-5 children and the principal of an elementary school is accused of using bad language? That is ridiculous.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:08 am
Has anyone noticed how many postings are up on the website? 3 vice principals, a director of curriculum and a director of special education. All of those jobs pay over 130k a year. With that pay, PUSD still can't keep people on board. Clearly something is rotten in the house.
a resident of Birdland
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:33 am
One other thing I saw on the district website was that despite all the admins clearly fleeing, the very top brass were awarded multi-year lucrative contracts with seemingly, brazenly simple two page signed agreements that happened after the school year ended last year. And signed off by board members.
Who knew this was going to happen? How is it that the principals and people in charge of important program like curriculum and special education flee but the top 3 or 4 people including the beloved Superintendent get automatically re-hired? Why weren't their jobs posted? Where were their interviews? Where were parents and teachers input? Who decided what their compensation should be? How was the term of their employment decided? Why was it decided to automatically extend their terms before their terms were even up?
My god. Total, complete corruption. I think someone in the District Attorney's office, the Justice Department and or the IRS should start investigating PUSD business/HR affairs. And the District business director seems to be the highest paid of all.
a resident of another community
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:55 am
Gillian, curb your hysteria and quit trying to incite hysteria. The two people "fleeing" are actually of retirement age. Could be possible they have health problems and are leaving for that reason - point is, people leave positions for different reasons, and these two individuals have been with the district for many years. They deserve to make a change in their life! Stop the dramatics, do some research, and think before you go shooting your mouth off.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 19, 2014 at 1:28 am
Wondering, How do you know they weren't gossiping, plotting and calling him various names before he ever called them any names. ( allegedly)
Why do you use his alleged bad behavior to excuse their documented bad behavior?
They all say the are friends, most say they never heard about some incidents until they heard about it from their friends.
I also find it interesting the investigators never asked any of them if they used foul language at work. Sounds sexist to me
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 19, 2014 at 7:48 am
Wondering,
Unless you are one of the select few that have access to the un-redacted reports we have no way of knowing if Vranesh was one of the people in the van that the person who made statement 25 was talking about. None of the others who were interviewed mention a van ride. If the person in the van was talking about Vranesh, where are the statements of the other people in the van? The investigator in his final report makes no reference to Vranesh swearing in a van when he makes several references to things only one person said. I am not so sure Vranesh is the topic of statement 25
a resident of another community
on Mar 19, 2014 at 11:55 am
I hate to burden all of you JV supporters with the facts, but the public record contains the following:
Fact 1 – The District investigated reports that an elementary school principal was being vulgar and threatening with teachers, making inappropriate sexual comments, and was abusing his position. (If the reports were true, he would have to go because the reported conduct is outrageous and could not be tolerated by the leader of an elementary school).
Fact 2 – During the investigation, six separate teachers went on record and collectively reported that the principal:
(1) called teachers [email protected], [email protected], f*ing [email protected]
(2) called female teachers the “c-word”
(3) dropped ‘f-bombs’ in referring to teachers
(4) threatened to “bludgeon”, murder and go after teachers, and that teachers were “going down”
(5) created an atmosphere (at an elementary school) where teachers were afraid of him, his conduct, and his threats.
These are the facts reported in the public record. Read it. Given these reported facts, the only questions which remain are these: (A) Do you still want the person who is reportedly guilty of this conduct to be reinstated as the principal (and moral-compass leader) of an elementary school? (B) Why are you attacking the teachers who reported being victimized? (C) If six separate women instead reported being raped by their boss, would you also blame and attack those women for their complaints and then seeking to reinstate the alleged rapist as their supervisor?
Do us all a favor. First, check the reported facts. Then, if you still find yourself blaming the messengers and demanding reinstatement of the alleged perpetrator, you should also check your moral compass; it is probably pointed South.
a resident of Downtown
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Pardon me, but the person in the van in the signed Declaration is Luz Cazares of the 'cabinet' in the Declaration and the person with the F-bombs, using the b word, threatening retaliation of the author of the email is Luz Cazares in the presence of Parvin Ahmadi.
Among other things, Cazares is/was on the warpath of all teachers and administrators who had reported her to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security for signing a lease for a fake pharmacy, medical, and law college to operate downtown on District property, enrolling 1500 fake students in order to have students purchase fake F-1 student visas. They believed the teachers and administrators, not Cazares, and performed an undercover sting operation for over a year at District headquarters and other locations in Pleasanton. The trial is now going on in San Francisco.
In addition, last spring it was discovered after the city of Pleasanton released a document for city council approval with the word "furrow" and "mound" (look up what the slang is in the Urban Dictionary) in it that the Pleasanton school district has hundreds of references to female and male body parts, 4 letter slangs of body parts, profanity and detailed descriptions of sex acts on its Pleasanton Unified courseware site (run by of course Luz Cazares' department).
Actually, several teachers at WG were calling the curriculum director at District headquarters the C word because of the Staggered start program.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Reality- these 'facts', along with the 'facts' that were accepted at face value relating to Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe were never 'fact-checked' but were accepted, without hesitation, as the truth. The 'fact' is that all of those accused were never contacted to present and verify their version of these 'facts' is where people are having a problem with this. The 'fact' that the district facilitated and supported this one-sided investigation and made little to no effort to verify is highly unethical and has certainly created the impression that this has been badly handled, is spinning out-of-control, and that the people who are in charge of running the school district have demonstrated a significant lapse in, and lack of, ethics. I thought that Innocent until PROVEN guilty was the basic legal right and standard and it is clear that this standard hasn't been remotely adhered in any of this. Did you watch the 2 women present? It's pretty clear that their conversations and actions were grossly twisted in order to incriminate them and provide additional foundation to the district case against Jon Vranesh. Neither one was contacted to verify or given an opportunity to respond to the statements ('facts') made by their accusers. One-sided distortion of truth doesn't qualify as 'fact'.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 12:26 pm
Linda and Mary have enlightened many with their testimony about the lies in the report and the liars who provided such lies. The desperate escalation into bringing up rape just to make a point is shameful.
Thank you Linda and Mary. I hope JV and both of you receive justice. Please know that you have a GROUNDSWELL of support amongst some of the wacky stuff posted in this forum.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Just a reminder that a mere 24 hours separates us from tomorrow's CRAVEN March that will begin at the intersection of Main and Angela.
It is important that citizens step forward and let the Board and other administrators in PUSD know that we citizens are far better equipped to make personnel decisions than they are. We have the facts, and if, as in this case they have been doctored, and they certainly have been, then that simply adds more fuel to our cause.
CRAVEN -- Community for Re-Instatement of A-as-in-excellent Vranesh for use of Excellent Nouns.
I am quite proud to be part of this community drive to correct bad decisions by the Board. We citizens are better at judging personnel and administrative matters than any so called specialists. Time to compel all the kowtowed union teachers to step forward from beyond the cowardly veil of union protection and be judged by Pleasanton community members who know about these things far better than do any Union-bought-off Administrators. Desertify the teachers' unions, and the lies will stop. Let us citizens have a crack at annual assessments of teachers, especially like those who assign my kids Saturday sessions because they've been too busy to do home work. And finally resind all bad grades that students may have been assigned by union-biased teachers.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Mar 19, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Thank you to the poster who spoke of Arkin not backing down and not supporting what's happening to John Vranish. She is the one single board member who will get my vote and support.
PUSD needs to suck it up, admit they screwed up and screwed a very good man an administrator in the process, reinstate him, fire the teachers that lied and created this circus, pay JV something for the hell they've created and then move on.
Parvin needs to go now. I never enjoyed my conversations or dealings with Dr. Casey and right now I wish he would return.
Mr. V: don't back down. You are and have always been the best of the best. I recently learned that you came to the district as a special education teacher. What a beautiful thing you did by teaching those with special needs instead of regular students. I think this speaks volumes about how much you care about the student's in our community. I've only had the pleasure of being a parent during your VP days and it was truly a pleasure. They truly don't come any finer than you. Thank you again for caring for my daughters. I wish you all the best.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 3:39 pm
I agree with Joe from Ruby Hill. Also as far as the ridiculous "Reality Check" poster goes, don't you think that with all the DHS and FBI and State investigators doing surveillance and audiotaping and videotaping operations at school sites and monitoring inbound and outbound communications for 'streaming video' for the fake university for the last 5 years, don't you think they would have picked up on a so-called "murder plot" going on at Walnut Grove? Or if there was a "murder plot" going on at Walnut Grove, don't you think someone would have called the Pleasanton police department?
Someone certainly at Walnut Grove seems to have time to talk about Farmers Market fruit, kitty cat spaying and doorbell ringing and people arriving with wine, so if there had been a "murder plot" don't you think they would have had a couple of free minutes to call the police at 931-5100? Yep.
But I think there was in reality no "murder plot," but just a couple of Kindergarten teachers whose classes end at 1 PM with nothing better to do than complain about their ex-husbands or ex-boyfrieds, and gossip and fabricate stories about people to ruin their reputations (including Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe), and call the Curriculum Director ugly names.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 19, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Are there some web links re the FBI investigation and current trials? Surely you can see it would be hard to accept the statement as facts...when they are anon posted on a blog?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 6:29 pm
Web Link is the university that is the fake one and this web page says it is still actually operating on the PUSD downtown location at Village High, Horizon High, and the Administrative offices of the Superintendent. Web Link is the fake Medical, Law, Art, Business Pharmacy and Engineering website shows the building on the PUSD property it was operating in after the lease was signed. Also it shows the sign for the university which is some sort of large cat, two giraffes and a tree on top of a hill.
They were selling fraudulent F-1 student visas with no actual classes, but 'students' that had obtained the F-1 student were going around Pleasanton high school and elementary school sites looking for classes in classrooms that did not actually exist.
Web Link said the trial started March 4th, 2014 and is in San Francisco. The case number is 4:11-cr-00288 and PACER shows the 108 documents along with all of the indictments and court proceedings including witnesses, etc. There are also many documents posted on the internet regarding this case.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 6:57 pm
What is telling is that Mr Vranesh is not accepting a financial settlement. He wants to clear his name.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 19, 2014 at 7:06 pm
I think it's even more interesting that they were offering a settlement.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 19, 2014 at 8:53 pm
I think it is even more interesting that Kim Kingsley Bogard from the law firm that prepared the flawed and botched investigation report and seems to have managed through the Stubbs and Leone law firm (the law firm of the flawed and botched Neal school trial) the actual investigator was offering the settlement.
There was never a board agenda item to discuss a settlement. Hmmmm.
a resident of Valley View Elementary School
on Mar 19, 2014 at 9:22 pm
I heard at Valley View, my children attended 2 years ago, there is a Head of maintenance person, I think he is the boss of janitors, and I think the people who fix some buildings problems. This guy have problems with controling himself. He comes to the school and is inappropriate with his wife who work there and i ask what is this and the other moms they laugh and say he is creep. I see he leave this year and I know this becuase I know someone who applies for his job. It pay very good and this friend he knows that the people in the district say he have pornogrophy all the time on his work computer and he talk very bad about women all the time. Ceszzares person, she is his boss and I read here that these are the ones in the van making the very bad comments about women and i know now this is true. I was thinking two year ago that it bad what i see and maybe the kids see it, but i dont' want to say anything because I come to this country only not so long ago and I am happy my children go to good schools. valley view is a very good school. but I think now that the bosses, they set bad example. Lots of hard working people would like these jobs.
a resident of Bonde Ranch
on Mar 19, 2014 at 9:27 pm
@ Outsider. Maybe the Director of Curriculum isn't leaving due to a long career and deserves to have a change in life. Sounds like she was harassed by teachers who did not like what she was doing, like doing this staggered schedule and taking away Coaches I hear. The Director of Special Education, I googled and this person is not the same as the person the year before, so this new person is a year or less in this position. Seems we should both double check our facts.
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Mar 20, 2014 at 7:25 am
Before the truth can set you free, you need to recognize which lie is holding you hostage.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 20, 2014 at 8:24 am
Gillian is right. WOW! Sandra Lepley (didn't she used to be Sandra Lemmons) who was the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services before Cazares is Interim CBO of the Burlingame School District. As I recall, she used to actually do planning for finances, and I don't recall any administrator purges while she was here, nor do I recall seeing sworn Declarations when she was here with accusations of her riding in vans using the F word. I did not know that when John Casey left that Sandra Lepley left and went to another District.
The Special Education director from last year was named someone called Ken Wyatt. He didn't retire at all. He is the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services at Burlingame School District.
Here is the link to prove it! Web Link
He left last year after being here just a short while (and didn't Kent Rezowalli leave as well?) and they are already hiring another Special Education director. Fascinating.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 20, 2014 at 11:50 am
Could the FBI/ Department of Homeland Security investigation be what the union threatened to go to press over if the District didnt remove JV immediately back in October ? I wonder if the teachers and administrators who reported to the FBI and DHS have coincidentally "moved on" ( or were bullied out) to other districts or have "retired"?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 20, 2014 at 12:39 pm
That is a really good question. I find it quite odd that just 3 1/2 weeks before Ahmadi put Vranesh on leave, the State/Fed investigators were told that the president of Tri-Valley University (the one on trial now) had assumed a pseudonym online using a local teacher's name at a local education institution.
It is quite possible that what people threatened to do is indeed go public about Tri-Valley University (west coast operations) and University of Northern Virginia (east coast operations) and indicate that:
- Cazares probably failed to tell the Board or the new Superintendent Ahmadi about Tri-Valley University completely including the Wells Fargo account and the money collection point at 4665 Bernal listed on the website, this Pleasanton police report posted (it opens in Word) which indicates that there were death threats regarding this Web Link and that the campuses throughout Pleasanton needed to be secured, including Village High particularly (since they were feet from this building). Don't you think there should have been an official agenda item to have locking gates put at all schools after this was discovered? The principal and teachers at Village High were right next to this building that still is on the web as housing Tri-Valley University. Isn't the former principal of Village High gone?
- Also I wonder about this and it is quite possible that Faraghan failed to tell the Board or the new Superintendent Ahmadi or principal Hansen or principal Rocha that one of the properties seized as part of the Fed raid (listed as the one address for Tri-Valley University on the State website) was the former house of a Harvest Park Middle School administrator who had sold the house to the president of the Tri-Valley University.
- Also the whole thing with David Lee of UNVA (University of Northern Virginia) and the bondage basement and all of these so-called references in the "investigator's report" about hands being tied and all just seems quite coincidental. You can find all about that in the Washington Post and other publications.
Someone should do a Freedom of Information Act request or Public Records Act request to see if Cazares/Faraghan actually disclosed to the Board or Ahmadi any of this information.
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 21, 2014 at 12:00 am
(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as irrelevant to this thread.)
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 21, 2014 at 4:25 am
(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as irrelevant to this thread.)
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 21, 2014 at 4:47 am
If the scenario is that PUSD w/ Carpenter and the union decided to create a media circus by going after Vranesh and releasing highly inflammatory and defaming public records during the near exact timeframe the Tri-Valley University diploma mill at PUSD trial was scheduled to start, I find that very troubling.
That would be blatant manipulation of the media creating a planned 'distraction' so that the media would focus on an individual person or person(s) being accused of various things and completely forget the big story --- incompetent District management that had a multi-million dollar, multi-state, multi-national criminal enterprise operating at PUSD headquarters in the first place (near real PUSD students) selling pieces of paper (fake diplomas) for $10,000 each along with fraudulent student visas according to Web Link .
a resident of another community
on Mar 21, 2014 at 12:17 pm
Interesting tactic: (1) Ignore reported facts in public record, then (2) accuse everyone (i.e., the half-dozen claimed victims, the investigator which found their claims supported, and the District which was forced to act upon those findings) of all being liars involved in a grand conspiracy. Hmmmm. Maybe there's a simpler explanation? Maybe the reported victims are all -- are you ready for this? -- TELLING THE TRUTH?
That being said, there is a certain appeal to your simplistic approach. And after all, shouldn’t we all strive for and embrace simplicity? Why not start here and now? Let’s all vow, from this day forward, to avoid pesky (and lengthy) public reports and investigations, especially if they undermine our (precast) opinions. Instead, we will revert to Name-Calling. Wow. I feel unburdened already.
I look forward to your thoughtful and well-reasoned responses. And if your response (still) ignores the public record, look in the mirror and ask yourself why; is it because the record does not support your position?
So much to ponder...
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 21, 2014 at 12:26 pm
There is no 'public record.' There is a one-sided investigator's report that is being disputed as being fiction by a number of people. None of these alleged 'victims' have put their names forward, come to any meeting where they come forward and even say who they are.
The title of the article the Pleasanton Weekly published is "Two school district employees refute investigation details."
If Teachers A and Teachers B were telling the truth, then Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe would not have come forward putting their names out there on the real actual public record disputing the details of the investigators's report.
Instead, it is a "he said, she said." And guess what, it is looking like "she said" according to Ms. Snell and Ms. Pipe as they said in the PUBLIC meeting at the school board are "blatant lies."
a resident of another community
on Mar 21, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Solid points made by "Clear JV's Name Now":
First, "Clear" notes: "There is no 'public record'" This would be a great point...if it were true. Unfortunately, there was a "public records" request to the District and online there are hundreds of pages made available to the "public," including witness statements, interviews and reports. I believe these are considered public records, and therefore, they actually exist.
Then, after vehemently denying the existence of a public record, "Clear" backtracks and relies upon "the real actual public record disputing the details of the investigators's report." Now wait just one second "Clear": how can you (in one paragraph) deny the existence of a public record, and then (in the very next paragraph) rely upon the "real actual public record" which disputes the "investigator's report" (which you claimed did not exist in the first place). (So much for simplicity).
Finally, "Clear" summarizes the victim-reports and contrary opinions as nothing more than "fiction" and as "blatant lies." Clever. By focusing upon the reports themselves , you have skirted the line of name-calling. Kind of.
Now here is a question that still has not been answered, do you think that all of the following was made up?
During the investigation, six separate teachers went on record and collectively reported that the principal:
(1) called teachers [email protected], [email protected], f*ing [email protected]
(2) called female teachers the "c-word"
(3) dropped 'f-bombs' in referring to teachers
(4) threatened to "bludgeon", murder and go after teachers, and that teachers were "going down"
(5) created an atmosphere (at an elementary school) where teachers were afraid of him, his conduct, and his threats.
Should we address what was reported? Should we be concerned if this did in fact happen at an elementary school? Or would you prefer to (continue to) deny that the public records even exist?
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Mar 21, 2014 at 1:25 pm
(Post removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff as irrelevant to this thread.)
a resident of Del Prado
on Mar 21, 2014 at 2:15 pm
So Reality Check, Should we also take into account the other reports that stated they didn't hear JV say these things even though they also attended same meetings? More people have vouched for his character and have done it in a controlled informative manner than have not.
The same interviewees you speak of have claims which are not true. Mary Snell and Linda Pipe should demonstrate that for you. Also, I didn't know who the claim about the attendance report was about because this teacher often doesn't turn in attendance reports! It could have been anyone working in the office on many given days!
There were pages dedicated to gogurt smeared whistles, the possibility that there was another left in a classroom on a hook as an act of retaliation and the Halloween parade, where a "victim" was whispered about and called names. This "victim" was wearing a costume, leading kids in a LOUD parade. You have to work to hear the person next to you let alone someone several feet away! There are more histrionics in the report! It speaks to the character of these people and DISCREDITS what they say! They cared more to elaborate about the fantastical issues above than their claims against JV. And can someone explain the reference to Ghandi? What did that mean or have anything to do with what happened?
The report only proves that the environment at WG was very dysfunctional. It was for a long time. People refer to it at "Disneyland" and a "Family". It was for those that "fit in". Boundaries were crossed! That is the only thing the report proves in my mind. I really don't think you can assign blame for that to JV. The best thing would be to move several of the teachers to different schools, bring JV back as a principal of a different school. I don't think that will happen but I do think SEVERAL cases of litigation will come from this!
a resident of another community
on Mar 21, 2014 at 2:29 pm
Joe, I appreciate your response. Seriously. You have raised some interesting points, but here is where you and I differ in our views: according to your email, the "little guy" that needs to be protected is the one that has been accused of the misconduct. From my view, the "little guys" that need to be protect are not guys at all; they are the female teachers who reported being exposed to such foul language and outrageous conduct at an elementary school. These are the people we entrust to teach our children; we need to do everything we can to make sure that the environment they teach in is safe and free of harassment.
I agree with you that our system presumes innocence. However, our system also protects victims and strives to create an environment where they feel free and safe to report misconduct. In this instance, it appears that six separate teachers all reported the same or similar misconduct. This does not appear to be just one person fabricating wild claims. I was not there at the time, but this is why we have investigations. Here, The investigator apparently decided that the claims were corroborated. In light of these findings, it is certainly worth engaging in serious discussions about the reported facts, rather than name-calling. I do appreciate your thoughtful response, despite our different views. Best,
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Mar 21, 2014 at 2:38 pm
A person never has to worry about their "story" when they are telling the truth. Thank you Mary and Linda
a resident of Walnut Grove Elementary School
on Mar 21, 2014 at 3:21 pm
It is certainly worth engaging in a serious lawsuit about the reported facts.
a resident of Vintage Hills Elementary School
on Mar 22, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Jtjh is a registered user.
>> The investigator apparently decided that the claims were corroborated.<<
Yes. However, the statements at the public meeting make it clear that at least some of the investigator's report was not only unverified, but completely inaccurate. And this alone makes it rather difficult to trust in the investigator's ability to have made the correct decision about anything in the case.
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