By Janis Russell
Photo: Mt. Miguel High School Principal Hedrick
April 9, 2016 (Lemon Grove) - A public hearing was conducted April 6th in Lemon Grove to inform the public and let them voice their opinions for the by-trustee area election for GUHSD.
There were 10 speakers, most of whom were in favor, though two speakers of the community asked for additional maps to be considered.
Camille Sotelo, a senior at Monte Vista High School, said, “I think it’s imperative to have a board member represent our area.” She mentioned how diverse Spring Valley is, especially when interacting with her fellow classmates. “I’m able to easily associate with people of different backgrounds…a board member who is in a diverse community will understand the position we are in,” she added.
Arkan Somo from the East County Chamber liked the idea of by-trustee areas, but he wanted the committee to put this off. “I thank you for the opportunity to speak.” Somo, also a member of the Chaldean community, read a letter from the East County Chamber expressing support for trustee districts. “We would like to convey our support to change to an electoral district.”
But Somo wanted the committee to consider a further draft map after all hearings were done to make sure “each district is fairly represented.” He also mentioned, “The Chamber has had a great relationship with our trustee.”
Sam Salea, President of St Peters Chaldean Church, had the same views as Somo. He first expressed his appreciation to the Grossmont board and Superintendent. He also read a letter from the church. The church was also in support of the by-trustee areas. And he, too, asked the committee to “allow for further drafts to be considered...” He added, “It came short of keeping communities of interest…the southeast portion of La Mesa is not included.” He felt that “Fletcher Hills should be in Area 2…each district should have fair representation.”
Randy Montesanto, Monte Vista High’s Principal, was in favor of the election and the map. He expressed his gratitude towards the committee. “I just wanted to thank you for your leadership.”
Sylvia Lopez, a resident of Spring Valley, expressed her appreciation towards the board. “I truly want to say thank you to you for doing this..and for listening to us.” She wanted Spring Valley to have representation, stating, it is “currently underrepresented.” She added, “our kids deserve it.”
James McFarland, a parent of a Mt Miguel student, said, “I feel it’s about the right time the neighborhood is represented by the board.” He was in favor of the election and the city map. “I urge you to follow [the map].”
Dr. Kimberly Hedrick, Mt Miguel’s Principal, stated, “The awesome thing about being a principal is speaking up for 1400 students…” She then asked students and all others from Mt Miguel to stand up as she spoke. “I just want to throw out the word ‘urgency.’ This is about urgency.” She liked the map that the board majority chose, which draws up new trustee districts using cities as boundaries.
Dr. Gary Woods, GUHSD board Vice President, said, “It is a privilege to represent this great community…they deserve to have a voice in 2016.”
Deborah Childers, president of Mt Miguel’s PTSA and La Mesa/Spring Valley school teacher, also expressed a need for Spring Valley to be represented. “I believe it is time for our area to get a voice…[it’s] good to have redistricting…it would give opportunities to have each district be heard.” She also hoped map 1 with the cities was adopted.
Chris Conwright, Mt Miguel alumni/coach and parent to a Mt Miguel student, was in favor. “Often, at Spring Valley, we don’t know what’s going on…by having this map adopted, this gives us an opportunity we haven’t had...and students’ voices can be heard.”
Jay Tweet, La Mesa resident, who was unable to make the La Mesa/Spring Valley hearing, agreed with the other supporters. “I think the bigger issue is community representation…this map does definitely solve the big problem the district is facing.”
Then it was time for the committee to ask questions or express comments.
VP Rick Shea mentioned that this committee had already been through this process at previous hearings, and they already know what’s going on. So that’s why they’re not asking a lot of questions.
Alicia Muñoz said, “I really represent you being here..I’m really glad we added two additional hearings.”
Mark Anderson noted, “I can’t think of any one person who’s said this is a bad idea…this is a good idea. I think we all agree on that. The voice of the people is very important to us” (Editor’s note: At prior hearings, while speakers voiced support for the concept of shifting to trustee districts, numerous speakers did voice opposition to the map’s boundaries, with most citing objections over removal of Priscilla Schreiber from the board through redistricting. Schreiber has been the only advocate for an Alpine High School at a time when Alpine community members have a lawsuit pending against the district over failure to spend bond funds to build the school).
Guadalupe Gonzalez said, “Thank you all for coming. This is the largest attended meeting we’ve ever had…we wanted to hear from the community [and] the effective voters.”
Dr. Greg Robinson, President, said, “We take these issues very seriously…I think this is the most vulnerable [community].” He also brought up the most recent Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed redistricting must draw districts equal in population.
Assistant Superintendent Lora Durzyk explained that she talked with the attorney and the attorney feels the map follows the ruling.
Robinson felt at previous hearings that some people felt the process was being rushed. He asked GUHSD’s attorney Christopher Skinnell to explain why there’s a sense of urgency to get this going. He indicated the process “has to be done by the beginning of July” so the candidates can start their campaigns for the November election.
Robinson also asked about the alternate maps that were considered and how common it was to adopt maps like for school district elections. Skinnell answered, “Every district is a little different in how they choose to go about it.” But Grossmont/Cuyamaca went through this same process a few years ago. “No one map is more common,” he added.
County Superintendent Dr Robinson Ward asked Robinson to clarify when the final action would be taken. The committee is expected to take action on Wednesday April 13 at its next regular meeting.