News

Despite protest, Ravenswood school board renews superintendent contract

Gloria Hernandez-Goff's employment extended for two years

The Ravenswood City School District Board of Education voted 3-1 Thursday night, with Trustee Marielena Gaona-Mendoza dissenting and Trustee Marcelino Lopez absent, to renew Superintendent Gloria Hernandez-Goff's contract for two years.

The vote came after weeks of upheaval in the community over Hernandez-Goff's leadership, with community marches and parents keeping their children home from school in protest. Former and current district employees have accused Hernandez-Goff of nepotism, financial mismanagement and creating a hostile work environment.

Gaona-Mendoza, who has been vocal in her criticisms of Hernandez-Goff, cited concerns about financial transparency and personnel decisions before casting the sole "no" vote.

Board President Ana Maria Pulido, Vice President Sharifa Wilson and Trustee Charlie Mae Knight cast the three affirmative votes. Pulido and Wilson defended Hernandez-Goff's leadership, attributing numerous improvements, including the district's exit of a yearslong federal court mandate and the addition of makerspaces and technology in classrooms and the opening of a comprehensive middle school, to her. A change in leadership now, they said, would cause more harm than good.

"If we were not to renew the contract it would throw this district into chaos," Wilson said.

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The question of Hernandez-Goff's contract renewal has sharply divided the K-8 East Palo Alto district. Teachers, parents and community members pleaded with the board on Thursday to hear their concerns and vote against keeping a superintendent they described as an ineffective instructional leader and manager. Parents said they are not satisfied with the academic progress students have made during Hernandez-Goff's five years as superintendent.

"There is a real disconnect between the board" and its electorate, said Maria Chavez. "Its members ... are elected by the very people who are crying out for help and yet no one is addressing that cry."

Longtime Costaño teacher Jesusita Rivera urged others to express their discontent in November, when three of the board members' terms -- Knight, Lopez and Pulido's -- will expire.

Pulido told the large audience gathered in the gym at Costaño Elementary School that she was not "deaf" to the community's concerns.

"I'm listening to what everyone has to say. ... and I'm also committed to trying to address all of those concerns that I'm hearing," she said. "We can't ignore the improvements we've made as a district under the current leadership."

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Ronda White, president of the Ravenswood Teachers Association, said after the meeting that she was disappointed but not surprised by the board's vote. Despite a desire to protest the decision, she said teachers and the superintendent will now have to find a way to work together for the next two years.

"We might be sitting on opposite sides of the table but we're all one family," White said. "We have to figure out, how do we get past these differences and how do we fix this?"

In a prepared statement, almost identical to one she gave at a press conference two days before, Hernandez-Goff also urged a bridging of divisions.

"Let's find some common ground," she said to parents. "There are ways we can work together. We are partners in the development of your child and I will never allow politics to interfere with the objective of meeting the needs of our children."

Under the new contract, Hernandez-Goff will continue to receive her current base salary of $192,814 with additional stipends for master's and doctorate degrees. She will receive the same salary increases as negotiated for certificated staff with the teachers union.

The contract will expire on June 30, 2020.

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Despite protest, Ravenswood school board renews superintendent contract

Gloria Hernandez-Goff's employment extended for two years

by Elena Kadvany / Palo Alto Weekly

Uploaded: Fri, Apr 27, 2018, 12:14 am

The Ravenswood City School District Board of Education voted 3-1 Thursday night, with Trustee Marielena Gaona-Mendoza dissenting and Trustee Marcelino Lopez absent, to renew Superintendent Gloria Hernandez-Goff's contract for two years.

The vote came after weeks of upheaval in the community over Hernandez-Goff's leadership, with community marches and parents keeping their children home from school in protest. Former and current district employees have accused Hernandez-Goff of nepotism, financial mismanagement and creating a hostile work environment.

Gaona-Mendoza, who has been vocal in her criticisms of Hernandez-Goff, cited concerns about financial transparency and personnel decisions before casting the sole "no" vote.

Board President Ana Maria Pulido, Vice President Sharifa Wilson and Trustee Charlie Mae Knight cast the three affirmative votes. Pulido and Wilson defended Hernandez-Goff's leadership, attributing numerous improvements, including the district's exit of a yearslong federal court mandate and the addition of makerspaces and technology in classrooms and the opening of a comprehensive middle school, to her. A change in leadership now, they said, would cause more harm than good.

"If we were not to renew the contract it would throw this district into chaos," Wilson said.

The question of Hernandez-Goff's contract renewal has sharply divided the K-8 East Palo Alto district. Teachers, parents and community members pleaded with the board on Thursday to hear their concerns and vote against keeping a superintendent they described as an ineffective instructional leader and manager. Parents said they are not satisfied with the academic progress students have made during Hernandez-Goff's five years as superintendent.

"There is a real disconnect between the board" and its electorate, said Maria Chavez. "Its members ... are elected by the very people who are crying out for help and yet no one is addressing that cry."

Longtime Costaño teacher Jesusita Rivera urged others to express their discontent in November, when three of the board members' terms -- Knight, Lopez and Pulido's -- will expire.

Pulido told the large audience gathered in the gym at Costaño Elementary School that she was not "deaf" to the community's concerns.

"I'm listening to what everyone has to say. ... and I'm also committed to trying to address all of those concerns that I'm hearing," she said. "We can't ignore the improvements we've made as a district under the current leadership."

Ronda White, president of the Ravenswood Teachers Association, said after the meeting that she was disappointed but not surprised by the board's vote. Despite a desire to protest the decision, she said teachers and the superintendent will now have to find a way to work together for the next two years.

"We might be sitting on opposite sides of the table but we're all one family," White said. "We have to figure out, how do we get past these differences and how do we fix this?"

In a prepared statement, almost identical to one she gave at a press conference two days before, Hernandez-Goff also urged a bridging of divisions.

"Let's find some common ground," she said to parents. "There are ways we can work together. We are partners in the development of your child and I will never allow politics to interfere with the objective of meeting the needs of our children."

Under the new contract, Hernandez-Goff will continue to receive her current base salary of $192,814 with additional stipends for master's and doctorate degrees. She will receive the same salary increases as negotiated for certificated staff with the teachers union.

The contract will expire on June 30, 2020.

Comments

#Cahoots
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 7:50 am
#Cahoots, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 7:50 am

Un-beeee-lievable.....


Concerned Citizen
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 9:41 am
Concerned Citizen, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 9:41 am

SLLLAAAAP! Right in the face of the good people of East Palo Alto! This Board needs to go along with Hernandez-Goff. Fortunately, 3 seats will be up for election in November. As for Hernandez-Goff, unfortunately, more of the same I suppose.


Not surprised
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 10:04 am
Not surprised, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 10:04 am

I knew that they were going to renew it, because Bonilla said it before the election day, toad this means that they had already had an agreement with the board members (who voted yes) and Gloria. It was pre-agreed. Also we the audience noticed that Ms. Night was sleeping most of the time and when she was aroused by Ms. Gaona, Ms. Night shall not be a board members as she do not longer knows what is going on and she falls sleep during the sessions. I do not think her vote shall count.


Katie
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 12:15 pm
Katie, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 12:15 pm

This is such a disgrace. I was at the board meeting last night (6pm-10:30). What a waste of time. The board members obviously had already decided info favor of superintendent. They were not listening to the people ( Ana Pulido yawning continuously and getting agitated as people were airing their grievances). Really sad that the superintendent said she wants to work with the parents and communities but SHE herself is creating that divide between the district and the community. Absolutely disheartened that the board does not listen to the people they are suppose to represent. Can't wait for some new board members to get these people out! Next meeting May 10


Aisha
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Aisha, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 1:40 pm

Gloria- Hernandez- Goff is a puppet on a stick. She getting paid to run the district into the sewer lines. What happened to CDC is no mistake, they want us out of here.


Not Surprised
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Not Surprised, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 2:55 pm

Aisha, the puppets on the stick are Pulido, Sharifa and Lopez. They are puppets of Gloria who manipulates them and makes them dance to her tune. This was proved yesterday. They have no voice of their own. Feel sorry for them because they cannot be themselves. Not surprise.


The Corruption Continues
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 3:26 pm
The Corruption Continues, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Soup Nazi
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 5:13 pm
Soup Nazi, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 5:13 pm

“no soup for you!!’....

So does the renewal of the superintendent’s conctract mean that she now will need to be fired or resign to leave her post? Would firing her at some point come with a cost to us the taxpayers? Something that she does not know about as a renter of a home on the 400 blk of Wisteria, is seeing property tax money go to waste. I am voting a hard ‘no’ on any additional parcel tax for the district!

I hope that at $198k per year, her and Mr Goff are not saving cash each month by grocery ‘shopping’ at the food bank.


WTF
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 6:49 pm
WTF, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 6:49 pm

Is her son still working for the district? Fire him immediately and hire two TEACHERS.

Her husband, Duane Goff, ran for City Council in EPA in 2016. Thankfully only 1500 people voted for him. But guess who endorsed him? RCSD Trustees Ana Maria Pulido, Charlie Knight and Marcelino Lopez. What's his community involvement? Ravenswood Food Bank. Here's his quote: "When I moved to East Palo Alto there were so many issues that needed to be addressed that I, frankly, didn't know where to volunteer my time. Then I came across the Second Harvest Food Bank with their motto of "when you're hungry, nothing else matters" and decided that was where I wanted to serve. I began organizing the Ravenswood Food Bank in November of 2014 and by February of 2016 we were the largest operation of our kind in San Mateo County. The need was there but wasn't being adequately addressed. In spite of more than half a dozen small food programs in EPA, we still had people who needed food-especially our elders. Today we serve an average of 2,500 people per month with 45-50 local volunteers and 10-20 volunteers from other communities." Web Link

The District needs to provide a CRYSTAL CLEAR audit of all donated funds to show exactly how the money has been spent. Moving forward, if you want to donate your money to Ravenswood Students, I would recommend reaching out to an individual principal or teacher. I would AVOID giving the district office any money until there is a regime change. But continue providing books, computers, time (through volunteering), money for field trips, materials, etc. Be strategic in your giving. Go to a faculty meeting. Ask the teachers what they need. Trust me, this would be much a more effective way to support the children and educators who actually do the business of teaching and learning.

Want to help with food for the community? Support the Ecumenical Hunger Program Web Link

This profiteering off the backs of the community is appalling! Pretending to help the community and ignoring their requests is outrageous. For this vulnerable community to stand up and unite against a leader who focuses more on living conditions than academics, you've got to wonder... Many of the families must be undocumented. For them to voice their concerns, the situation has got to be bad.

Why does a district with 7 schools need a $200K contract for a PR consultant? That's enough to cover the salaries of several custodians and teaching assistants that have been cut. All because she cannot speak publicly and compose emails for herself? The district is paying a stipend for her Master's and Doctorate. That advanced education should have prepared her for the rigors of this job.

Fast forward to November. If the community replaces the Trustees who BETRAYED them by ignoring their request to change the leadership of the school district and the new Trustees FOLLOW THE REQUESTS OF THE ELECTORATE, it will cost the community nearly a half a million dollars to buy out her contract.

I wonder how the Trustees sleep at night....well, we know how Trustee Knight sleeps (during board meetings).


Hmmm
East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 7:35 pm
Hmmm, East Palo Alto
on Apr 27, 2018 at 7:35 pm
Marielena Gaona-Mendoza (Board Menber)
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:18 am
Marielena Gaona-Mendoza (Board Menber) , East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:18 am

To Parentes, Students Teachers and Community Members:

I cannot find the right words to describe what happened on Thursday 26, 2018, even though there was a big crowd of parents, teachers, students, and community members asking us the board NOTt to renew Ms. Hernandez contract, and only one person asking the opposite, my colleagues board members went ahead and renew it.

Teachers, Parents and students, and community members,
I want to tell you that I admire you for standing up when injustice happens. Sorry that you were intimidated, retaliated and mistreated. I am sure that you will bring positive changes to our district, even though it might not happen right away. Remember how long it took for MLK, and Cesar Chavez to improve things for us. Please know that I listen to you, will keep doing it because that was one of my promises to voters when I ran for Ravenswood School Board Member.
I want Thank you for coming to the board meetings and try to make your voices heard, I wish the rest of the board members would have listened to you.
NOTE: I am not representing other board members in this message.


Democracy Lesson
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:41 am
Democracy Lesson, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:41 am

Thank you Trustee Marielena Gaona-Mendoza!

You are a glowing example of a responsible elected official who takes her position seriously and KEEPS her campaign promise to listen to the voters. Thank you for your service to the Ravenswood City School District.


anonymous
Old Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 12:02 pm
anonymous, Old Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Gloria's vision of a single middle school in the RCSD is crucial to the long term academic success of the students. The small neighborhood middle schools have lacked math and science single subject specialists on staff, adequate science labs,and most of what is required to successfully reach the academic level needed for success in high school. It means there are very painful changes, and for those teachers not truly qualified to teach middle school, there is certainly a feeling of job insecurity. The larger vision is that at all times the RCSD first serves the students' needs. There has been incredible push-back on this vision, but the only way to bring the district into compliance with standards is to go in this direction no matter how painful the process.


Palo Alto Resident
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 28, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Palo Alto Resident, Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 28, 2018 at 12:09 pm

I am very interested in reading about these problems as I have been watching what is happening in EPA as a neighbor and in particular in respect to house prices.

From the point of view of gentrification in EPA and more professional people moving into the City due to house prices, I would have expected the schools to be improving as a result of this.

Is there going to be any correlation with improvements in the schools due to this gentrification? I would be interested in hearing what those who live there think.


Local Details
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Local Details, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 2:40 pm

To Anonymous of Old Palo Alto,

You make several excellent points regarding the way Middle School students are educated in Ravenswood. I know of some Middle School students near me who will be attending a neighborhood school next year. So we're five years on (Gloria's been re-forming the district since 2013) and the implementation of a middle school in our small community seems to be flushing out many excellent teachers (with single subject credentials) and administrators who have left for more functional school districts (who don't comment on one's choice to have a family and a career).

However, the protests against the Superintendent were about nepotism, misappropriation of funds, questionable personnel decisions, and civil rights violations.
Web Link
Web Link
Web Link
Web Link

Thanks for your comments from across 101.


Another member of community for a better education
Woodland Ave. area (East Palo Alto)
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Another member of community for a better education, Woodland Ave. area (East Palo Alto)
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:33 pm

I can't believe that trustee Knight was asleep for most of the meeting. She probably did not have a clue on what she was voting for.


Former Ravenswood Teacher
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:35 pm
Former Ravenswood Teacher, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:35 pm

To anonymous you said:
Gloria's vision of a single middle school in the RCSD is crucial to the long term academic success of the students. The small neighborhood middle schools have lacked math and science single subject specialists on staff, adequate science labs,and most of what is required to successfully reach the academic level needed for success in high school. It means there are very painful changes, and for those teachers not truly qualified to teach middle school, there is certainly a feeling of job insecurity.

I was a teacher at RCSD and as soon as I heard that a new middle school was coming to Ravenswood, I went back to college and got my single teaching credential,but because Gloria Hernandez did not like me, she denied me the opportunity to work there, and instead she hired more than three teachers who do not have multi subject or single credential, and she other teachers who are working at this middle school have only multiple subject credential, and they were moved there due to multiple complained of parents and teachers. This teacher who speaks broken Englis continue to mistreat and humiliate students and parents have complained to the principal and to Maurice G. but they do nothing about it and she still working there. She has been moved from school to school and they do not fire her. Parents have gone to the board and made complains about the new middle school, but they say that they never heard back from Gloria or the board members.
But Gloria claims that Gaviglio made a msitake and she demotes him.
I know about the no license teachers because I know "teachers" they have not been able to pass the required exams in order to be teaching, and they are the ones teaching our students at the new middle school right now.

Anonymous, Do you call this improvement?
The reason she did not give me a position at the Ravenswood Middle School is that signed the NO Confidence Letter, she did not like me anymore.
Thank God, I found another position where I am valued and treated with respect. I know that many other good and experienced teachers have left the district due to Gloria's retaliation and mistreatment.
In fewer words, Ravenswood Middle Scholl is not doing any better because bad teachers were transferred to RMS, and this made things worse, not better.
Hope the community wakes up and not drink Glorias Kool-aide.


Local Details
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Local Details, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:43 pm

Anonymous in Old Palo Alto,

Can you provide evidence of your claim that "there has been incredible push-back on this vision"?

From my perspective, we have supported this vision for a comprehensive middle school. If you read this report from the Stanford Journalism Program's Peninsula Press, Web Link you'll notice that the teacher's union identified shady tactics in the implementation of the middle school - not in the notion of creating the middle school itself.

And with the benefit of hindsight, it's like putting a puzzle together when you read Board Member Sharifa Wilson's unwavering, almost blinding support of the Superintendent last year. We have since learned the intricate relationship between these two women. The favors traded. The secrets attempted to be covered up. Web Link


Game on
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:46 pm
Game on, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:46 pm

We pay her salary.

We were not happy with her performance.

We asked the Board to fire her.

They ignored us.

We are pissed.


Another member for community united for...
Registered user
South of Midtown
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Another member for community united for..., South of Midtown
Registered user
on Apr 28, 2018 at 3:49 pm

What a shame that Pulido followed Wilson, and voted yes to renew the superintendents contract and she said “that in order to get another superintendent, it takes time..” She could have put an interim superintendent, while the find the permanent superintendent. Todd Gaviglio would be the perfect superindent of the district, and he would really improve things around just like he did @ Belle Haven.
#Gaviglioforsuperintendent


Transfer Student Out of District
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 7:33 pm
Transfer Student Out of District, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 7:33 pm

We parents who protested against the removal with the boycott, on home (boycott), and against the renewal of the supe contract, shall start filling out transfer forms to take our kids out of this corrupted district. When they asked us the reason we would say that the board members ignored us and never give us an opportunity to have a conversation about the removal, and even though there were a lot of parents and teachers asking them not to renew the contract they did it. These are the reasons why many parents went to KIPP because they are tired of the board and Gloria, but Gloria wants to blame gentrification. We are the taxpayers, and they shall have listened to us. Because of the puppets board members now it is going to cost us money, but any money we spend on getting rid of Gloria and the board members is worth it. This is the only way our district will improve so our kids can have a better education. We shall set a day when we all go together to fill out those transfers. If RCSD does not like us, I am sure other schools will be happy to have us, many districts are low in enrollment and will receive us with open arms, we have no reason to put up with Gloria and the board members who renew her contract. Sharifa Wilson shall take some classes to learn how to talk with people with respect and in a professional way. She does not know how to control her anger. We shall put the pictures we took of her when she was talking so disrespectful to the audience. Of course, she was going to vote yes, Gloria gave Glenda a job on request of Sharifa with a generous salary, and then when Glenda put a child in danger, Gloria did not suspend her as Ms. Woods ordered.She owes to many favors to Gloria to make decision in the benefit of our kids. We shall recall her, even though it will be expensive it will be a very well spent money in the long term. Let's figure out how to do it. Of course she and Glenda also make savings in the grocery bills.


Teacher
East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Teacher, East Palo Alto
on Apr 28, 2018 at 10:53 pm

Consider the decision to transfer your child very carefully. The local school system belongs to you! Speak out at the voting booth in November to make a change to the school board. Don’t let them get away with this!

Keep in mind that last year the teacher’s union voted against the her. With your support, we can get through this together. I’ve also seen students expelled from KIPP and returned to a Ravenswood school. They don’t have to follow the same rules as public schools.

#gaviglioforsuperintendent


EPA voter
East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 5:20 am
EPA voter , East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 5:20 am

Pulido, Sharifa, Charlie have got to go! [Portion removed.] Decisions like this will continue to drive families away from Ravenswood. Foundations, wealthy residents of Palo Alto stop giving the district your $$. Facebook stop giving the district $$. If you want to help give it directly to the teacher. Pulido is out of touch and is a poor example of an elected leader. She should not have a job working for the people. These poor parents will have to continue to see her when they leave Ravenswood. She works for the Sequoia Union High School District Superintendent. She is a shame to our great city of East Palo Alto. Pulido do not run in November it’s clear that you are not for the people. Ravenswood Superintendent Gloria was out campaigning for Pulido on Election Day. I saw her. That is wrong.


Any Thing is Better than RCSD
Menlo Park
on Apr 29, 2018 at 7:51 am
Any Thing is Better than RCSD, Menlo Park
on Apr 29, 2018 at 7:51 am

Anything KIPP, Redwood City School District, Home-schooling, private will be better than this corrupted district with board members who are not for the people. AT this point there are about 100 parents Belle Haven parents who are tired of the system. It is not working, and Pulido and Wilson are not for the students, they are for Gloria. At least Ms. Night was taking a cat nap, and did not know what she was doing, her health is too deteriorated to make a right decision (she has an excuse), but what is Pulido's and Wilson? [Portion removed.] They owe Gloria too many favors. They have sold their soul to Gloria. Just like the truth came out about Glenda, Sharifa and Gloria, soon we will have something about Pulido and then we will understand why she has to be loyal to her.


Another member for community united for...
Registered user
South of Midtown
on Apr 29, 2018 at 8:12 am
Another member for community united for..., South of Midtown
Registered user
on Apr 29, 2018 at 8:12 am

Teachers should go on a strike. The teacher union rep. waited too long to take action, and by waiting so long they too let Gloria get away with it. Remember Cesar Chavez’s strikes really worked. The union has a lot of power, but they did not use it. Wouldn’t it be great if one of these days there are no kids and no teachers. Than, the board members would get the message. We do not want Gloria there anymore, with her corruption, nepotism and retaliation against employees and parents. They don’t seem to hear us so let’s show them how tired we are of her.


Palo Alto Resident
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 29, 2018 at 8:43 am
Palo Alto Resident, Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Apr 29, 2018 at 8:43 am

May I respectfully suggest to the concerned parents in East Palo Alto that they contact the investigative reporters on local tv news stations. I know that KTVU channel 2 do in depth reporting, and so do the others. Let them know your concerns and see if they take it on.


Teacher
East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 10:33 am
Teacher, East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 10:33 am

To Another member for community united for...

Your comments are dangerous for children’s education. The teachers union rep followed procedures by giving Gloria time to implement her vision. Meanwhile the teachers meet your children at the school house door each morning. They welcome them, ask about their day, provide lessons, feedback when they don’t understand, design activities for group collaboration, take time to help them develop empathy, and send them home with books to read in the evening. All this is going on while Gloria and the Board play politics and spend taxpayer and donated dollars in questionable ways.

If you are a parent, visit your child’s school. Spend the morning with them. See what’s really going on. You will see them going to music, yoga, reading in small groups, going to the library, visiting the Makerspace. There is space between the drama at these board meetings and the daily activities in the schools. And if you see something that you don’t like, discuss it with the principal. Not happy? Go to the district office. Take notes. Take it to the San Mateo School Board. You are protected by state and federal education laws.

Please don’t let the corruption of these fools get in the way of your child’s education. The free public education that is their right as an American.


Teacher Credentials
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Apr 29, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Teacher Credentials, Duveneck/St. Francis
on Apr 29, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Teacher credentials are public information. Just type in the first and last name and you can find out whether or not your middle school student has a teacher with a Single Subject credential for the class they are teaching. Web Link

If it says Multiple Subjects, that means they are credentialed to teach elementary school and have not taken advanced college classes in the subject they are teaching (like Math, Science or English).

You can also see if they are on an Emergency or Temporary Credential. If this is the case, you are within your rights to ask the Principal or Human Resources department if they are searching for a qualified, credentialed teacher for your child’s class.


STOP THE CORRUPTION
East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 6:56 pm
STOP THE CORRUPTION, East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 6:56 pm

No more Gloria, No more Pulido, No more Wilson, and no more Marcelino, they are not for the students nor the parents. They are all corrupted.


Ready to Transfer
East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Ready to Transfer, East Palo Alto
on Apr 29, 2018 at 7:23 pm

I already got the transfer form from Redwood City School District, I am filling it out and I will no longer have to deal with these corruption. Since we will continue with the status quo, and they will destroy the next generations, and children will not be included in it. Too bad, that they will not be able to walk to school, but at the end they will be ready to succeed. and continue on with their education.


Teacher Credentials Matter
Crescent Park
on Apr 29, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Teacher Credentials Matter, Crescent Park
on Apr 29, 2018 at 9:26 pm

Yikes! After reading the Former Ravenswood Teacher's experience, I did a quick credential search on a few teachers at the Ravenswood Middle School. I picked three names from the website's teacher directory. Two were listed as having a "Short-Term Staff Permit" which was granted for the term of a single school year. This credential seems to be a catch-all that literally covers preschool to adults. It could be sub-titled the "Warm Body Permit".

I'm sure these individuals are doing their best each day, but further up the ladder (ultimately the superintendent and board) there should be systems in place to get highly qualified educators in the new middle school. Teachers who are committed to stay for more than a year. Why was that ambitious teacher driven out? She prepared herself for a position at the new middle school by getting the right credential for teaching middle school and taking additional college coursework, at her own expense I'm sure.

There's something dreadfully wrong when you have an experienced, qualified teacher willing to take the position, and the district leadership opts for someone who is less qualified. You can't brag about something until it's off and running relatively successfully (or at the very least fully staffed with appropriately credentialed teachers), especially when we're talking about our young people, their transition to high school and preparation for adulthood in the 21st century.


Drain the Swamp
Atherton
on Apr 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Drain the Swamp, Atherton
on Apr 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm

HOLD UP...she convinced her cronies on the board to not only renew her contract for two more years, but they rewarded her with a raise? How long have the teachers gone without a raise in that district? They make considerable less than other districts in our area, but somehow the district is able to pay their supe a decent salary.

"Trustees voted 3-1 to renew the superintendent’s contract through June 30, 2020, increasing her salary from roughly $181,000 to $192,814, effective July 1." Web Link


EPA Kids Matter
East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 10:45 am
EPA Kids Matter, East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 10:45 am

Drain The Swamp:

The board said that there is a "Me Too" clause in Gloria's contract that states when teachers get a raise, so does she. Since her last contract was renewed, the teachers receives a 6% raise, so Glroia automatically gets it as well...seems silly that it would work that way given her performance.

Has the Board of Education even given her a formal review since she began? I would imagine that there needs to be some sort of formal review process. From what we hear, Gloria doesn't even review her principals like she is supposed to. She probably does that so she can move them/fire them at will...


Cheryl
another community
on Apr 30, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Cheryl, another community
on Apr 30, 2018 at 4:48 pm

To those thinking about transferring into another district:

Apply for inter district transfers as soon as possible because the process can become lengthy especially if the district you request denies your appeal. Redwood City School District is your best bet to transfer into because they are currently trying to save one of their schools due to low enrollment.

If your child is entering kindergarten this upcoming school year, then consider the Tinsley Program! Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be available starting September 15. Make sure to submit your application by November 15 to be considered for the lottery. The program is only available for kinder, first and second graders living in the Ravenswood area so apply this fall!


Night's Vote Doesn't Count
East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Night's Vote Doesn't Count, East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 7:59 pm

Ms. Night's vote shall not count. She does not live in East Palo Alto, she lives in Los Angeles, and her daughter flies her here when there are board meetings. Ms. Ms. Hernandez knows it, but she does not say anything because has her by the horns, if she does not vote yes, she will tell that she does not live here. It has been like that for a long time. This is why she is absent a lot. When Gloria needs her, she flies her down to E.P.A.
What can be done about it? As you can see everyone is corrupted at Ravenswood School District. Some reporters have tried to get information from Gloria, but she protects her because she knows that because she knows she does not live here and if she gets to vote on her behalf she will not say anything or else.


Concerned Voter
Registered user
South of Midtown
on Apr 30, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Concerned Voter, South of Midtown
Registered user
on Apr 30, 2018 at 8:10 pm

I am concerned that Dr. Knight is making decisions for our children when she does not even live here. Her vote should be nullified. The district attorney can take care of that.


Night's Vote Doesn't Count
East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 8:15 pm
Night's Vote Doesn't Count, East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 8:15 pm

Which McDonalds does Ms. Night own, so I can boycott. She does not deserve any of our money. I am wonder if Elena the reporter could investigate. She did such a good job with Sarifa's domestic partner. she shined the light on Sharifa's and Gloria's dark closets and because of that the skeletons are coming out.


Allen
East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Allen, East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Opportunities
East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 10:13 pm
Opportunities , East Palo Alto
on Apr 30, 2018 at 10:13 pm

Send your kids to Fair Oaks School in Redwood Cify. They are recruiting more students and have the space. There is also an independent school fair at Canada College this Sunday 3-5pm. Many schools provide tuition assistance. We have lots of choices. Time to get out there and place or kids where they will learn! Kids first!!


Gloria's Letter
Menlo Park
on May 1, 2018 at 1:05 pm
Gloria's Letter, Menlo Park
on May 1, 2018 at 1:05 pm



Dear Ravenswood Family: (1)
For months, our familial disagreements (2)have created an environment in which many within our family feel upset and hurt.

As the superintendent of the Ravenswood City School District, let me be the first to acknowledge that our community is in need of healing (3)in order to get us back to that place of unity where we can work together and focus on our students. (3)
Although I continue being firmly committed to implementing necessary reforms (4)
within our district, I am reflecting, looking inward to determine how to strengthen our relationship, and equally important, strengthen the various existing processes by which you share your thoughts and concerns with me.

As difficult as these months have been, we must remember that our students and their families are facing challenges on a daily basis that put their ability to make their dreams of a better future in peril. (5)

The only way by which we can make our students’ dreams a reality is by coming together under our shared vision of turning our district into an academic pipeline for long term student success. (6)

Thank you for everything you do on behalf of Ravenswood’s children and families. Working together, I am confident in the success we will experience at the New Ravenswood.

Respectfully,

Gloria

Dr. Gloria M. Hernandez-Goff
Superintendent

1. A disfunctional family. She does not treat us like a family more like like a
2.The dissagrement was created by her, Gloria for not thinking on the students and removing the school principal for a mistake, when she has done mistake after mistake, and she is still the superintendent
3.The only way for the community to heal is by her leaving our district, and obviously she will not do it because she has Sharifa protects her, and the other board members follow her.
4. The only two reform we need is to get rid of her and clean house at the district. After that we will be better.
5. If she really cared about the students, she would leave and stop taking the students funds for something else that is not education (like food bank, hiring more administrators for the district, laundry rooms, etc).
6. Students' dreams will become true, when she leaves the district and no one espend their funds in something else than education.
More to come.


Gloria's Letter
Menlo Park
on May 1, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Gloria's Letter, Menlo Park
on May 1, 2018 at 2:59 pm

To Allen,
But how can this be true. Bonilla said to the press that our students are now going prepare to high school, which of course I did not believe it because I know teachers and they often tell me how frustrated they feel because the kids who are lucky get there reading at third grade level or less. Thanks for sharing the real experiences, not what Bonilla wants to believe.


One Way of the Other
East Palo Alto
on May 1, 2018 at 7:13 pm
One Way of the Other, East Palo Alto
on May 1, 2018 at 7:13 pm

Since Gloria does not respect us and Pulido does not hear us. We Belle Parents do not longer want to be part of Ravenswood School District. Therefore, we will join forces and fight Ravenswood so Belle Haven becomes part of Menlo Park School District where we can be respected and heard, and not harassed. It will be their lost 400+ students.


Gloria's Letter
East Palo Alto
on May 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Gloria's Letter, East Palo Alto
on May 2, 2018 at 5:00 pm

As difficult as these months have been (You, Gloria made it difficult by not knowing how to solve problems before they get out of control) we must remember that our students and their families are facing challenges ( do not blame us, parents' situation. The more difficult challenge we are facing is you, Gloria, and four board members who voted yes to renew your contract, and did not listen to us, parents; they pretended to, but the fact that they did put the principal discussion on the agenda tells something else) on a daily basis that put their ability to make their dreams of a better future in peril. (Gloria, don’t you dear blames the families to excuse the bad job you are doing.
You are only good at asking for donations and spending the money, but not in education by exploiting the picture that you took to a family with children who were facing crisis and lived in a mobile home, and this is how you get rich people to feel pity and get donations,
and then you spend the money on things that make you look good, so people would say, look Gloria is helping the homeless and the hungry, and that is not in any superintendent’s job description) If you, Gloria and the board members who renew their contract cared about our schools, teachers, and kids they would not have renewed the contract. Now we know who the board members really are). And let me tell you, Gloria and board members, we are forming a committee to vote no on your parcel and bond tax. We will not vote yes, until Gloria is gone. We work very hard to earn our money, and we do not still it, so we are not going to allow you to spend anymore or out hard earned money.
Gloria:
You want people to come and do their laundry, you could take them to your home and let them do the laundry there, not in our schools. You are putting our children at risk because anybody can come, who have not been fingerprinted. How could you not figured that out before you spend money in building the laundry rooms and buying the laundry machines.
[Portion removed.]


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