Why Support the Recall

Dear Friends,

You have probably read by now in the local papers that our community is seeking the recall of our current school board. I strongly believe that this recall must happen and am sending you this e-mail to ask for your support.

There are four questions that help me define the recall. If you answer YES to any one of these, you should consider yourself a supporter and vote YES on Recall!


1. Do we as a community prefer that our tax dollars be spent on school programs and teachers or on administration?

· The current school Board has been FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE.

· The new superintendent will be paid 1.6X the state average.

· Since 2007, the district has paid over $800,000 in litigation expenses.

· At the same time, the district has cut valuable special education and vocational programs that help those who need it the most.


2. Do we want a Board that listens to its constituents and encourages positive, open dialogue?

· This Board is out of touch with our students and classrooms.

· This Board refused to listen when a packed boardroom asked it to conduct a fair and open search for a new superintendent. Instead, this Board signed a contract with the current assistant superintendent that could go on forever.

· This Board has not responded to concerned parents and will not even answer questions at board meetings.


3. Do we want an independent Board, one that leads and manages versus being led and managed?

· Our administration is running our district despite the fact that this job belongs to the Board.

· We deserve a district that has a meaningful system of checks and balances. This cannot happen with a Board that never questions or independently investigates the recommendations of the administration.



4. Do we believe it is our fundamental right to express our concerns and opinions to our publicly elected officials and school administrators without fear of intimidation or retaliation?

· Much to our horror, under the current regime, teachers, students and members of the community are afraid to speak out or disagree with the administration.

· We CAN’T wait for the next regularly scheduled election, we have to change this environment of fear and intimidation NOW.


Please know that those who support the recall represent ALL aspects of our community. We are not just a few disgruntled parents! You also should know that a number of intelligent, qualified and sincere members of our community have stepped up and want to be members of the board. These people answer the above questions with a resounding YES!

I realize that you may have many questions about the recall, and I am happy to answer all of them. I also invite you to look at our blog for additional information. http://citizensforqualityed.blogspot.com


If you do support our cause and are willing to sign our petitions (they should be ready in a week or two) and/or let us use your name in our promotional materials (flyers and ads in the Star) please let me know. I also hope that you will consider making a donation to this very important cause. We are trying to keep costs down, but a recall is a complicated process, and we need help from the experts to make sure we do it right. I know that times are tough, but any donation you can spare will be greatly appreciated. You can send donations to: Citizens for Quality Education, 1241 Main Street, Suite 1010, St. Helena, CA 94574.

Thank you so much for your consideration,

Jeanne DeVincenzi