Monday, August 10, 2015

[San Joaquin County] Grand jury report: How will board respond?

Trustee Ashley Drain called it “garbage.”

Board member Sam Fant wants to see the proof.

The two Manteca Unified board members are referencing the scathing Grand Jury report  on the school district that was loaded primarily with criticism of Fant and Drain.

The board when they meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the district office, 2271 W. Louise Ave., will consider acceptance of a drafted response to the Grand Jury report.

The report zeroed in on the conduct of the two trustees elected in November — Alexander Bronson who has since resigned and Drain who is the target of a recall effort.  Fant is also the subject of a recall effort.

The report sidestepped complaints about Drain and Bronson using fake addresses to qualify as candidates as that specific complaint had been forwarded to the Secretary of state’s office. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has since filed felony charges against the two regarding election fraud. Drain also has welfare fraud and grand theft charges pending against her.

The Grand Jury contends the conduct of trustees has created a “toxic climate” in the Manteca Unified School District given their disrespect for each other, for employees, and for community members.,

The 28-page Grand Jury report included:

Fant getting an exercise class established contrary to normal procedures.

Fant assuming control of a district program.

Fant pushing to get the Weston Ranch High principal ousted.

Drain interfering with student discipline.

The board hiring a consultant who was a convicted felon without doing a background check.

Fant provided a principal candidate an  after-hours tour at Weston Ranch High. That candidate eventually became the new principal.

Referenced an employee complaint filed against Fant.

Noted a Junior Cougars youth football banquet was scheduled by Fant, cancelled and held anyway circumventing district rules and having reduced fees.

Trustees’ presence interferes with administrators’ work.

Drain insulted Weston Ranch High staff.

Dramatically escalating district legal costs due to the behavior of trustees.
The need for board and staff training.


By Dennis Wyatt
Executive Editor, Manteca Bulletin
dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com 209-249-3519
POSTED August 10, 2015 1:07 a.m.

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