Weekend Comments

Cast your vote on http://haussaman.blogspot.com
Is Sonia Diaz doing a good job?
Tell everyone to vote on the website!!!!

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It is time to act! Show up at the board room at 1pm tomorrow before the board goes into session! Bring posters! Let the board know how you feel!
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It is troubling to me that the Sun News and certain legislators are quick to blame malcontents in the district and support the superintendent. I hope the school board members are listening to employees who have had personal experiences with Sonia Diaz. If she was hired to begin healing the district, as one board member said,-I have news for them-she's killing the patient.
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Disheartened to see us moving away from using this resource to learn the "truth/facts" & towards using it as the local soap box (for testifying for/against various LCPS employees without substantiation). We have good people; we are in a bad leadership situation; we need to gather evidence and form a plan to remedy our predicament.
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I would rather spend half a million dollars to get rid of Dr. Diaz, that let her run our school district into the red for 1.5 million dollars. I believe this would be money well spent.
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Decent, agenda free individuals that run should be encouraged and understand that they would have a cadre of LCPS employees working to support their election.Second, this is not about change or pace or length of time. Dr. Diaz has been abusive, and has an incredibly poor track record. We need to stop subjecting employees to her hostility and whim as soon as possible.Liz Marrufo did not support Dr. Diaz' selection and brought in Joni G. to ask for locals to be considered. Now, Liz, who was PLACED with a higher salary than has ever been given for her position, has asked Joni to support her.This community and school board need to understand that this is about an abusive individual. The employees of this district need to be protected and supported.
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Let’s try to all keep our focus on the issues at hand. This blog isn’t about reading programs or talk show hosts. It is about a problem with our school board and our superintendent
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LCPS1: First of all... many thanks for your efforts in providing a blog site for communication among those who are concerned about the way LCPS has been managed, in recent times. Many folks have been given the opportunity to speak the truth... as they interpret the truth... and that is GOOD. Teachers have asked me to contribute information about the terrorism to which they have been subjected, by administrators in this district. My commentary did not address any specific cases, but could bring comfort to many, many teachers who are living in a kind of hell that is every bit as destructive as the behavior of Diaz and this school board. In fact, I'm sure that what happens at the local school level... has a much more serious impact on the production of positive learning by students, than do the continuing antics of the superintendent and board. A strong, skillful, knowledgeable, compassionate principal will do what's right for his/her school, regardless of outside influences. Conversely, the vicious, conniving, unprincipled principal will find even more freedom to pursue his/her destructive agenda... when Central Office and the school board are involved with matters that threaten their own survival. Again, Norman Todd impresses me with his deep concern for the welfare of our youth. I recall a time when he and I were both involved in an issue of support for a foster, or adopted child. During a break in the proceedings, I stepped outside the east entrance to the old courthouse, and Norman was right behind me. We talked a bit, and I noticed that tears of deep, emotional concern were filling Norman's eyes. He's a good man. In the LCPS school where I worked for many years, the most skillful, experienced teachers were perceived by principals, for the past ten years... as enemies, and subjected to harassment that lead to many transfers, resignations, or retirements. That is not the way to build a strong program, and those targeted teachers should be made aware that someone cares. LCPS1... you're doing a great service for this community. Please keep up the good work. Regards, Call me Anonymous--
There seems to be the opinion that Zia teachers are out of control. I am not exactly sure who said what when, but let's set the record straight. Zia teachers have the same focus that most teachers in this district have-that is to teach children. What seems to be out of control is the rumor mill that is running high speed in the district. I personally feel that we should all act and be treated as adults. That includes informing staff of changes that will affect not only them but the students as well. I don't want all the details; just tell me the truth as to what is going on in my school and my district. It is very discouraging to get up and drag myself to work every day not knowing what I am walking into. The students know that there is something going on. Some know a little, others know a lot. At any rate, the students are beginning to take advantage of all the chaos. Let's all take a step back, breathe deeply and join forces to make the best out of what is left of this year.
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First of all, when did this become about race? Second of all, have you ever had the PRIVILEG of working with Robert Ogas? He started at MHS in the 60s. His whole coaching and teaching career has been about THE KIDS. The kids always came first whether they were at-risk, middle of the road, or straight A students. He supported them all. So, unless you know the whole story, you shouldn’t single out individuals in your comments. In fact, if anyone is a victim of the wrath of the school board and their leaders, it is Robert Ogas. He was fired for standing up for doing what he knew to be the right thing for his school. Even after being fired, he is still working to make LCPS a better place for THE KIDS. He is the Executive Director for the Sandra B. McGrath Golf Tournament. So, do not ever say my father didn’t care about the At- Risk kids or any of the other kids.Loreena Ogas
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I agree with Michael Swickard.Thanks for your continued monitoring of this blog. Blogger has done a great job.
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Very upset parent that Mr. Lucero was replaced and sent to Zia. How dare the administration make the change without any consideration for the students and parents. I say the state comes in, cleans house, and starts fresh. Start fresh with the school board!!!!
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When will the community admit that letting Louis Martinez go was the worst thing the district could do. It was NEVER about him or his job performance. His message was the same and remains in the hearts of many - equal education for ALL students. He tried for two years to move the district - now the district is paying the price!! I dare the Board to ask school staff - administration, certified, and classified if they miss Louis - not just MHS but "everyone"
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There is ABSOLUTELY no comparison between Dr. Diaz and Mr. Martinez. During Martinez' tenure - the focus was always on ALL students. Mr. Ogas and his administration were hurtful to poor and non-English speaking students and their families. Mr. Cook has validated the wisdom of that decision. The idea that he was abusive is totally false - concocted by a group who wanted the power to remain in the hands of Mr. White, Mr. Ogas, and all of their "old school." Las Cruces was a flagship district until poor people moved here and we never paid attention to teaching them. Martinez left because he chose not to fight the lies. Dr. Diaz should have the opportunity that Mr. Martinez never did - to face her accusers and respond to "personnel issues" publicly. Too many times this community "cried wolf" - now we are stuck with the results.
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Michael Swickard - now you know what it feels like to listen to your radio show when you constantly give half-informed comments and your listeners are not able to react afterward. You do this all the time on your show and that's why the comments about you and your teacher/companion were probably made.
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Earl;You still are a Pharisee! Anyone who disagrees with you is derailed. Your arguments are based on your singular opinion and nothing else. I am sorry that you could not perform in another district as an administrator - if you had, maybe we would still be moving forward with children on our agenda, rather than trying (AGAIN) to find someone who will be your puppet.
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Although Mr. Gomez did contribute to eliminating some of the gang problems at Zia, let’s give credit where it really belongs. The staff of Safe/Drug Free Schools, especially Barry Peace and Marvin Allen did most of the work last year to help gain control and stabilize the gang problem. Where are they now when we need them the most??
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I am new to Las Cruces, I've been here three months. I preface my comments with the fact I am a mother of three, 24, 15 and 6. My children have been in private schools up until middle school age and then they've attended public schools. My children have been educated all over the country. I've seen lot's of different curriculums, some that work and some that don't.I prefer going back to the basics of reading, writing, grammar, etc. It worked for me a child of the 70's and prior to that time. This country is producing many illiterate children and this must stop or we lose our edge in business and the sciences.With that said, I have read this blog from beginning to end. I was told a long time ago not to believe everything you read and only half of what you hear. I prefer to save my opinion until such time that I have heard factual information. Some of what is on this blog won't hold true unless you can back it up with fact. I do agree this school system is in dire need of change. When you rank (I've seen two statistics ranking NM at 49th or 43rd, take your pick they're both pitiful) nearly at the bottom, this fact doesn't lie, change is needed. Now what type of change is needed? Is it personnel or curriculum? This is a subject for the experts to discuss.I am reserving my opinion until I think I know all the facts. I will keep reading back here to see if any accusations I've read have been backed up with any facts.
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I propose Lacy Simpson as a possible candidate. She would need to be convinced, but has great background as a 20+ year former teacher, experience in serving on community boards--former La Casa board member and past chairman.
Drawbacks--pretty outspoken (but tactful when necessary), doesn't suffer fools gladly, never was an administrator.
Ask around--you'll find that she thinks of the kids first, teachers second and egos last.
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Please ask Mr. Todd, Mr. Schutz, and other common sense community members to run for the school board. They all need to be recalled
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When you make a mistake, the best thing to do is realize it, admit it, and do what you can to correct it. That's often embarrassing and costly." Mr. Todd, do you practice what you preach?
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The Board has the responsibility of backing what is best for the students in our community. This responsibility, or interest, is not evident this year. Funding meant for items already budgeted should remain intact and high schools should not go without books to bring in a brand new reading series when it isn't even adoption year, and there is no extra money, and when the district has worked so hard to implement and support a literacy focus. A new series in itself is not the answer. Teachers did not ask for new reading books. The board and Diaz are responsible for maintaining budget consistent with what was already planned and consistent with the monies we have in hand.
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I was shocked to read the editorial in the Sun News today! Now I fully understand why the paper has not printed the many comments submitted to Soundoff! The Sun News has no interest in finding out the facts about our school board or Sonia Diaz. The editorial just states that there are a few vocal LCPS employees that won't be satisfied with anyone else but Charles White. Hogwash! The REAL issue, of course, is that we have a board and superintendent that have demoralized the district's employees and have broken many board and state regulations pertaining to hiring and fiscal practices! It is amazing to me that the paper refuses to investigate these issues! Is the paper on their payroll!
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OK. Let me get this straight. We have so called business persons and legislators saying that we need to give Diaz more time to enact her policies. Let's put this into business terms for a moment. Let's say you have a $200 million dollar company in Las Cruces. It is already unstable and reeling from several years of poor management and malaise. The Board of Directors, who have been at the helm for the past several years, have taken a Fortune 500 company and almost bankrupted it. After a storm of controversy, they finally fire one totally incompetent CEO but quickly contract with another head-hunting CEO-finding group which locates yet another retread making the rounds around the corporate circuit. The Board hires this retread amidst the pleas from management level executives to hire a person with experience within the company. In four short months, the new CEO runs off, intimidates, demoralizes, threatens and fires dozens of long-time employees who know how the company functions. She brings in cronies from previous failed companies she has overseen before she, herself, was ignominiously fired. She creates a budget crisis and hires replacements without adhering to company policy and procedure. She brings the scrutiny of state oversight boards into the company to check for improprieties. All the while, a groundswell of protest rises from company employees who can see the business crumbling in front of their very eyes. Yet, these "expert" business leaders and politicos step forward in a glorious day of media-enhanced Bacchanalia and pronounce the need to "stay the course" and allow the self-destructive CEO to continue her onslaught for a few more months. They apparently approve of the downward direction of the company and the fact that top-flight employees are bailing to other companies near-by. They are infatuated with the warning signs of impending doom as indicated by every business indicator known to humankind. The Board of Directors allows the new CEO to go on a week-long vacation while they strut in front of television cameras pronouncing how they really do support her policies of destruction, but that they needed to "step back and gather some more facts." My question is this: what kind of business person would allow his or her business to be ruined in front of their eyes and then loudly pronounce that the failing CEO needs more time to enact her obviously flawed policies. Faced with reorganization or bankruptcy, I can just see the Chairman of the Board of Ford last year saying, "you know, we've lost two billion dollars the past year and sales are down 42%, but we need to stick with this new CEO because she’s a really great lady and dresses nicely and we have spent a lot of money on her salary. Just disregard all the warning signs of collapse and disaster." Well, Ford fired the CEO and reorganized. So should the LCPS, beginning with firing Diaz and replacing this comatose board.
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Who would I contact with some possible candidates for the upcoming school board election? Blogger Comment: Send their names to the blog. We are compiling and list and will contacting those persons proposed.
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Are there any names in the bucket? Blogger Comment: Norman Todd, Lacy Simpson, John Schutz, Charles White.
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Earl Nissen is a hypocrite! He will strike out at anyone who does not agree with his demagoguery.
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Note to blogger: If you choose to publish this commentary, please do not include my name, or my e-mail address. I spent 26 years as a professional in this school system, a bit more than half of my career in education. My experience includes many years as a teacher, school librarian, and media specialist... and several years as an administrator. One of my administrative appointments was as director of a federal education project, in which I successfully implemented (with the enthusiastic cooperation of many teachers and a couple of other administrators) a curriculum system of my own invention that actually delivered 'the right stuff, to the right kids, at the right time'... and tested its efficacy with positive results, using classic research. Thanks for reading my commentary.. . . . . . . . . .Commentary on Las Cruces Public SchoolsWhat's RIGHT in our schools? Surely, for the past several years our school system has been in disastrous turmoil that interferes with the processes of teaching... and learning. However, we should not ignore the positives that exist in our school system, and dwell excessively on the negatives. We have thousands of children, in Las Cruces Schools, who are enthusiastic learners... when given the opportunity to pursue learning in a positive way. Hundreds of excellent teachers have the skills, and attitudes, to make positive learning happen... if administrators are able to provide a school atmosphere and environment that supports teaching and learning. In simple terms, the administrators must practice honesty, fairness, compassion, truthfulness, respect, and an unswerving devotion to duty. They must focus on building pride and character in all individuals they serve... students, teachers, and school staff... and they must conduct themselves in a manner that provides a shining example of what it takes to be a caring, knowledgeable, highly-skilled leader, and human being. Some of our district's school administrators do measure up to the afore-mentioned expectations. Physical facilities in our school system are well-maintained, and as adequate as possible in the population explosion our community is experiencing. The community at large, and especially the parents of our kids, is/are interested in the educational progress of our children... and are demanding a school system that delivers at a level of reasonable expectations.What's WRONG in our schools? First (and most important), the quality of education has been deteriorating for many years. Kids drift along, in elementary schools, without learning the basic skills to prepare them to succeed at the mid-schools and high schools.Consequently, we are graduating hundreds of children, from high school each year, whose basic skills are still at the elementary level. There is little, or no, coordination that is necessary to follow the progress of each and every child, and determine what support and intervention must be initiated... to assure that each child moves forward in the basic skills. This is done, to some extent, in Special Education... but, in general education, the vital importance of directing attention to the progress of each individual child, is generally ignored. Our mid-schools are disaster areas... despite the heroic efforts of many well-intentioned professional educators. Pubescent children are a challenge that requires more than just good intentions on the part of teachers and administrators. There must be programs, somewhere, that would provide professional development, and guidance, for those professionals who serve in mid-schools. There are successful mid-school programs, elsewhere in our country... perhaps it would be good to borrow some of their ideas, and practices, or send LCPS staff to visit those programs. We hear stories of student behavior, in our mid-schools, that are shocking and almost unbelievable. Students, in a class, loudly cursing a teacher... students refusing to do assigned lessons... availability of drugs.. 'pecking-order' in which bullies take advantage of the smaller, younger children... gangs... etc. Firm discipline is in order, and all possible avenues should be exploited to keep the children's minds focused on positive things... rather than only on their emerging sexuality. At the high school level, too much emphasis is placed upon what teachers want to teach, rather than on what children need to learn. Attend a curriculum meeting, and listen to the younger teachers argue about what time of the year they prefer to teach Huckleberry Finn, Understanding Gravity, Calculating the Hypotenuse of a Right Triangle... or Understanding the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution... while there's never a discussion of how to establish the needs of each individual student, or how to address those needs. LCPS and NM Standards and Benchmarks are of primary importance. Who cares if the individual student is ready to fit into that which is mandated for his grade level? And, what do we do with the kid who is six to eight years behind in his basic skills? Flunk him... and forget him, OK? There must be at least a million problems that each kid faces, as he/she progresses through Las Cruces High Schools... interpersonal relationships, student to student, and student to teachers... competition in academic classes, sports, and student organizations... availability of drugs... gang influences... who am I, really?... just to mention a few. In a school with 2500 students, how do we manage so that each child is valued, and feels that he/she is important to us, and to his/her community? How our schools respond to the needs of the kids is dependent upon all levels of authority in the school system... teachers, support personnel, administrators, central office, and school board. Any weakness in the 'chain of command' results in failure of the system to function properly, and limits the opportunity for students to succeed. In these LCPS Underground posts, we have read much about the failures of the two top-most levels in our school system... the school board, and the superintendent. At the individual school level, the principal is key to the success of the school. His/her job is not an easy one... ensuring that the school is a relatively safe environment, that students (and teachers) follow the rules, and that the whole program runs 'like clock-work'. We have, in the Las Cruces school system, many excellent administrators. And, as in any system of this size, we have several administrators who do not meet our expectations. Experienced teachers are observant of the negative influences of some administrators... especially those behaviors that inhibit a teacher's ability to provide the best service to his/her students. In some schools, principals exhibit favoritism in their dealings with teachers and staff. Some teachers can do nothing wrong, in the eyes of the principal... while other teachers are targeted, and harassed. Often, the principal is motivated by shallow impressions... the teacher's good looks or bubbly personality, or a teacher's 'too-serious' focus on his/her responsibilities. Another factor can be that the principal sees some teacher as a threat, that the teacher 'knows more than I do', or that the teacher has also had experience as a school administrator. Sometimes, a principal, new to a school, will cultivate the younger, more insecure teachers, and ignore the confident, experienced teachers. When the principal has, in this manner, built a power-base, he/she can then go about getting rid of those experienced teachers who, he/she thinks, might be inclined to question his/her administrative judgments. In situations such as this one, it doesn't take a very long time for a formerly excellent staff of teachers to be changed to an inefficient, fearful group of 'used-to-be' professional teachers. If you don't recognize your principal, in this description, you're one of the lucky teachers who hasn't been at the wrong place, at the wrong time. A warning to the dedicated, professional teachers... don't count on Central Office, or the NEA, to assist you in defending against a vicious, unwarranted attacks by school principals. They won't be there for you, as has been the case many times, in Las Cruces Public Schools. How about the quality of teaching in our school system? Like in most school districts throughout our state, and country, the range in quality of teaching, is from excellent to poor. However, with the conditions that exist in this school district, and elsewhere in New Mexico, the quality of teaching is not at an acceptable level. This may be, partially, the result of the conditions in which we must teach... or at least partly because of inferior teacher preparation. On September 20-21, of this year, an education summit conference was held in Las Cruces. The conference was piloted by a project in Farmington, hosted by New Mexico State University, and it's focus was 'improving teacher preparation'. (Curiously, there were only two or three professional employees of our school district, who attended that conference). It was documented that there is little, or no, coordination among the institutions that provide teacher preparation in New Mexico, and there were many questions as to the quality of preparation of students aspiring to become professional educators. As is the case in the public schools, much time is devoted, in teacher preparation, to issues other than academic preparation and practice. Many teachers, and professors are consumed with the need to produce socially-aware graduates who are sensitive to the universe of needs of various ethnicities and life styles, and the need to be 'culturally politically-correct.'. This, at the sacrifice of an adequate focus on academic development. Can we not share the responsibility for children's social and political development... with the children's parents? Where are the opportunities for teachers' professional development, in the individual schools of this district? Is cooperation among teachers, and sharing of information, concerns, and ideas... encouraged? Are student discipline standards that are set by administrators... adequate (and enforced) at a level that promotes a favorable environment in which teaching, and learning, can be conducted effectively? Is excellence in teaching rewarded?... and, are highly-successful learners celebrated? In summary, it is likely that most educators in Las Cruces Public Schools would admit that "We have quite a ways to go" to bring this district up to the standards that once existed here... and achievement of this general objective must include civil discourse, mutual respect, and cooperation among all of the human elements in our system.
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It’s a sad day when all I read is the negativity that is going into the situation with Sonia Diaz. The citizens of Las Cruces claim they want what is best for their children but is that really where this is headed? As a former resident with many ties to Las Cruces , I am appalled to read in my local newspaper all the animosity that is going on in your district.
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As I view this so-called “cowards corner,” it amazes me to read all the “intelligent” opinions of the anonymous writers. If you think your opinion matters, say it loudly and be proud to put your name by it because when you say it behind closed doors or anonymously, it sounds like a conspiracy and a vendetta.
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As for the comments about Diaz, I don’t know her personally but I think that she never had a chance and it sounds like she was set up to fail. Your opinion of her was formed as soon as you saw her driving a Mercedes. The people of Las Cruces claim to want the best for their children but under their terms and on the ends of their strings.
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I know Liz Marrufo very well and I know for a fact that she is one of the few people who is in her profession for the right reason- FOR THE CHILDREN. I read all these negative and unnecessary comments about her ruling with an iron fist, lacking in people skills, etc. How many of you really know her or did you form your opinion based on someone else’s comments? If I had to deal with you people on a daily basis, I would surely be wearing not just an iron fist but full body armor.
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In order for your school district to start the healing process and move forward in a positive and progressive manner, why don’t you all step back and with an open mind, decide what it is you’re looking for in a leader. Who would you want to be in charge of the schools that your children attend- someone who is too busy trying to appease the VP’s of Las Cruces or someone who is dedicated and loyal to the children? What a concept!
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Oh my goodness! This describes an elementary school in Las Cruces! Can this be happening at even more schools? When are our schools (from administration on down, including the school board) going to return to teaching children...and, by the way, giving them good models of character?! How dare we preach to the children.
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Briseno Comments

Sorry, I disagree. Mr. Briseno is a rude, arrogant, petty man. He's got to go
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The Ogas' machine tried to unseat Mr. Brice no in the election, but sputtered and "couldn't get it up." Lonnie won by a vote of ALL the people in the district - not just the power mongers. It is the beauty of real democracy. When Dr. Diaz came in to REALLY demean and demolish people's spirit - it was what the "elite few" (don't leave out Del Hansen and his lovely wife) deserved. They made false complaints before - now no one will believe them. It is truly poetic justice.
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Mr. Briseno no longer works at FYI! Since he has been on the Board he has never voted on any issue to do with FYI! Check the records and minutes of Board meetings. However, Mr. Briseno did know of Dr. Diaz's past. Principals met with Board members to inform them of her history, as well as the history of the other 3 candidates. Knowing her history, well this is where he has made a mistake!
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Unfortunately, this posting about Mr. Brice no and racism is a clear attempt to hide the real reasons behind the crowd who believes there are "superior local applicants" (read Charles White and Bob Ogas) and wanted to paint Mr. Brice no with the same lying, slanderous brush they used on Mr. Martinez. It must be known that it was board member CHUCK DAVIS who "pushed" for Mr. Martinez - and then the same Mr. Davis turned against Martinez when the Davis' family couldn't control the superintendent's actions. If the community would only admit that it DOESN'T WANT to move ahead - but to keep the same "old school" mentality, then we wouldn't need a superintendent search - just give the "power hungry" what they want (again) - and everything will calm down, our middle class students will be successful again, and the others will be once again relegated to "outsider" status. Long live reactionism.
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Leonel Briseno created nothing but trouble when he worked in the diocese. I am sorry to see him return.
--Sometimes the truth is written between the lines even in an anonymous blog posting. After having read some of the postings, I have decided to be more direct, and I welcome responses.I think that some of the writers are correct when they state that Leonel Briseno is the problem. I think that if we got rid of him we could move the district light years ahead. Without him, we could put pressure on undesirable students to leave the schools. It is apparent he is protecting Hispanics, economically disadvantaged (poor) kids, so-called dyslexic and special needs kids, bi-lingual kids, (did I mention Hispanics yet?). Without the support of people like Leonel these kids would have one less cushion from the real world and leave the schools. Test scores would soar! It really bugs me when people like Leonel can't be color-blind like the rest of us true Americans. So I call on all of you good people to grab your torches and pitch-forks and follow me as we become the mob that will restore sanity and decency to the Las Cruces Public Schools.
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Mr. Briseno is dangerous. He has a hidden agenda and it has been exposed. It's time to kick him to the curb and get someone honest in there who isn't trying to micromanage the district with a failed view of the world and the city, that of skin color.
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I would like to thank the person who is running this blog. I think it is very courageous to post opposing viewpoints. I would like to respond to the viewpoints being expressed by some people that think Mr. Briseno is a racist. I have known him for some time and believe that he is a principled individual who has a strong sense of social justice. The fact that many institutions, including our schools are rife with institutional racism cannot be ignored, and it is the duty of those of us who have experience with this to challenge it at every opportunity. Mr. Briseno has done this. I suspect that those who benefit the most from his vigilance do not have access to this blog or any other. Their support however, was demonstrated in the last election when Mr. Briseno defeated Mrs. "Viva Ogas". The voters have spoken and the silent majority has spoken in favor of the vigilance and determination demonstrated by Mr. Briseno. Thank You. You are not alone. One more thing... Mr. Todd states that when you make a mistake you should admit it and move on. I'm trying to remember if you admitted wrongdoing when you … from an elderly person you were supposed to be protecting? Please refresh my memory. Perhaps the stones you cast should be directed at the "good ol boys" who cannot accept change.