Disturbing Information

The emails that go along with this post can be downloaded here.

I was given some documents last night by the parents that are reviewing the emails from the District. I want to preface what I am about to release with several comments:

I honestly believed that I would be empathizing with the Administration and Board after reading what was provided. They went through an incredibly difficult process. I have difficulty empathizing with at least the Administration at this point.

Please understand that after reading these emails that there are a significant number of supporters out there of the District who will be very hurt by what they will read. I would ask that everyone have compassion and understanding for those whose trust was broken.

With that preface, I am going to pass along several threads of information, the first of which from my position in the legal industry is the most disturbing of all. Susan Hintz instructed her staff to delete files and emails regarding alternative proposals.

HINTZ006008.pdf & FREDERICKSEN000070.pdf (from Susan): "We've had several citizens ask us what the other 5 options were that Teamworks referenced in its proposal that is now posted on the web. [..] Is there any reason that we should NOT pass these on to those who have asked?" Susan's response to her own email: "Since all of us have not been to every meeting, I want to make sure that you know that neither TEAMWORKS or we are giving these to anyone. Please delete from your email and files." [It was bolded in the email. In one email "TEAMWORKS" and "we" are redacted -- no clue as to why in one but not the other.]

NELSON000615.pdf (Susan explaining to a community member and the School Board): "The other options that TEAMWORKS referenced were not part of the materials that the consultant gave us."

Questions: What else is discussed in these meetings? What other information is the District hiding from us? Are the School Board Members aware of such activity?

What is also strange is that from the affidavit filed by the District on June 3, it stated there were 57,000 emails -- approximately half of which were responsive. So, that would mean that there are around 28,500 emails. In the technology business, I happen to know that email data is typically estimated at 2.5 pages per email. That would mean that the FINS group should expect around 71,250 pages. They received around 20,000 pages.

Question: What is being hidden?

FREDERICKSEN000007.pdf (From Susan): "One of the reasons that we hired a consultant is to take some of the heat, so even though the Action Team has helped produce the work, I think that it's important that the report comes from TEAMWORKS."

Questions: What else was Teamworks used as a front for? I am not sure that Teamworks took any of the heat based on what I observed from the School Board.

Voting Registration Records appear to have been evaluated to potentially take credibility away from those talking at Community Comment as well as to evaluate the leadership team of Save District 279. (Of course, that is an opinion, but why else look at Voter Registration Records for those groups?)

HINTZ002648.pdf (Susan): "I hope that you will be able to address the WVR parents, even if it's at Community Comment. What is the best way for the voting information to be shared?" From Susan's staff: "Attached is the listing of all the individuals who voted in the levy election last fall. It includes name, address, phone number and precinct."

HINTZ000281.pdf: "Do you have the list?" "Interesting action they're considering...also interesting that it appears that 2 of the 11 names (18%) listed didn't bother to vote on the levy last November."

The actual voting records, which are public information, were provided to the parents reviewing emails when the District turned over the emails.

Questions: Why even look up who voted? Why not consider other alternatives and concerns rather than trying to discredit? How does checking voting records help this process at all?

There are documents exhibiting less than professional behavior:

HINTZ002265.pdf: "Too bad that you, Kim and I just couldn't have a slumber party tonight."

Questions: Is this how we talk to our superiors? A "slumber party"?

I was hoping that this was it, but the parent's group indicates that there is more to come. The parents are continuing to review each document page-by-page.

I would encourage you to evaluate this in regards to future decisions the School Board and Administration are to make.