When Shakespeare wrote, “Beware the Ides of March!” As a line delivered to Julius Caesar, he had no idea that those same ides (the 15th day of March) would be fateful in Coalinga’s public school district.
It happened during a much awaited and highly publicized Ribbon Cutting and Open House of CHUSD’s showcase new CTE, (Career Technical Education), building in Huron. Villanueva was guiding groups of community members, staff, students, industry people and others about the new program that involves building and many other aspects of technical skills.
Bystanders reported that Lisa Culbertson, president of the CHUSD Board, told Villanueva to follow her. Going into an office, Villanueva was then told that she needed to leave the location immediately, and was not to be on any CHUSD property. She was also told that she could not communicate with any CHUSD staff. Villanueva did as she was told. And left immediately, in front of everyone.
Jules Verne wrote a book about a group of people who traveled around the world in 80 days. In comparison, the Coalinga Huron Unified School District Board members have been unable to unravel a situation adequately to be able to have the Superintendent, Lori Villanueva, at its helm. I addressed the school board at last week’s meeting. I share with you the kernels of that speech:
As Shakespeare said, “Beware the ides of March.” He got that one right.
It was the ides of March. The 15th when, in the most public and humiliating manner, Lori Villanueva was officially removed from CHUSD property in Huron. It happened during the grand opening of what might be called a glittering gem in the crown of the district; the new CTE center in Huron. It happened in a heartbeat. There was no provision or preparation for the aftermath. Her replacement, Johnny Garza, was plunked into the office of our superintendent. Lori Villanueva simply vanished.
80 days later, the public wonders what alleged misdeed, what alleged act of betrayal our superintendent did to merit this. Of course, due to confidentiality, the public is not privy to what goes on behind closed doors. We, the public, are told nothing. I don’t believe I am alone in wanting some accountability from our elected school board members.
After seeing this type of incident occur more than once in our school district, I plan to dig into the facts and discover why this has occurred.
When Dr. Foster (Villanueva’s predecessor), was booted, the public never really received a clear and logical reason. Now we have another incident.
Did Villanueva do something quite heinous to deserve this treatment? Did she commit some terrible indiscretion, some illegal activity? What crime brought about this level of punishment. Unless it is some sort of political game.
How are the children and families of Coalinga and Huron benefiting from the tens of thousands of dollars spent on this investigation? Is there no better way to spend our time and resources than to insist on finding a fault or crime committed by our superintendent?
I could be wrong, but I do believe that Mrs. Villanueva has been completely exonerated from the laundry list of reported misdeeds.
Maybe there are more unknown nefarious activities orchestrated by Villanueva. I’m sure time will tell who is above board and who is not. I will find the answers.
In the meantime, I continue to love my neighbor and pray for my enemies.
At Last Week’s Board Meeting…
The meeting began in a normal fashion with student reports from a couple of schools. Then organizations such as teachers’ union and classified organization were given the opportunity to speak.
All typical.
Atypical, though, was that the board withdrew to a closed session meeting. During closed session, the board and administrators (as needed) discuss confidential items. The conferences are not open to the public, and there is no discussion about what happens in those meetings following the adjournment of said meetings. Those meetings are usually held at the tail end of an open meeting.
This particular meeting had the following on the agenda:
A. Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Reassignment/Complaint/Employment (Pursuant to Government Code §54957)
B. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation (Government Code section §54956.9): Two matters
During part of the meeting, voices were raised in the closed session. Those in the open chamber waiting for the Board to return began to talk more animatedly and loudly, possibly to cover up the yelling.
Eventually, the Board members filed back into the room and all were seated again at their places.
During the tail-end of the meeting, President Lisa Culbertson reported that in the closed session meeting an administrator on a contract was not renewed to continue their employment in the district any longer.
The administrator being released (as in not-retained under contract) was NOT Lori Villanueva. It seems like something is going on. Again, time will tell.
I look forward to being able to explain what, exactly, the CHUSD Board has been up to, and why. Until then, my ears are pealed.
Coalinga Press 