To Concerned Parent wrote on Mar 3, 2009 7:25 PM:

" I would like to point out, (not that I should have to) that the principals, board members, and teachers are all over 21 years old. Last I checked. They are not drinking during the school dances, children's carnival, or during work hours...Ect. People need to get a grip and think before they type/speak! If they were seen doing something illegal mention it, but come on! I have a question for the "concerned parent" When you are out at the bars watching others drink and are drinking yourself, who is at home with your kids! Oh I'm sorry were you going to take the beer home for junior? Just as I shouldn't talk without knowing you, you, should think before doing the same! I don't admire a person that can make a complaint in a paper without leaving your NAME! We need people that are here for our kids, to help this district change when and where needed for the better! "




grow up and do your job wrote on Mar 3, 2009 7:30 AM:

" To Stevenson Teacher: You can always tell the difference between Stevenson teachers and one from the rest of the district. Stevenson teachers always thinking about themselves! "




Cant Believe It wrote on Mar 1, 2009 2:28 PM:

" It is truly sad when a great community like Douglas stoops to such low levels. Granted there are differences in the zone changes but to attack people for going to a bar is incredible. No wonder we have problems attracting people here. All they have to do is read these blogs and picture a vicious, gossiping and accusatory town. Who would want to work here? Who is so perfect they can be so judgemental? We are not like that! Please, rather than these comments attend the meetings and bring forth productive solutions without these hateful comments. If it continues the good people we do have running our schools will begin to look elsewhere especially since they are underpaid in this district. We don't have to agree but we also do not have to slander people. I believe Douglas is a good place to raise children and grow old because we know how to work together. Common sense and decency must prevail and if does not we will have bigger issues to address such as no one wanting to be a principal, teacher or superintendent in Douglas, Then what? "




REAL STEVENSON TEACHER wrote on Feb 28, 2009 3:59 PM:

" I GUESS SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO PRETEND THEY WORK AT STEVENSON. NO TEACHER AT STEVENSON WOULD MAKE A COMMENT LIKE THE ONE STEVENSON TEACHER WROTE. "




what is going on wrote on Feb 28, 2009 1:48 PM:

" What the heck has happened to DUSD? Who in the **** is Earl Pettit? This poor excuse of a person has continued his personal attack on all associated with Stevenson. Parents, do something about it! Has he notified you in writing that he has assigned Rob Doctor as principal at Stevenson? Rob Doctor, who by his own admission at the infamous question/answer session of several weeks ago, admitted that he does not spend any time at Stevenson. (Understandably so since his job does not require him to do so.) Come on people, all of Douglas knows that Pettit has wanted Mr. Ortiz out for a long time now with his intent being on placing a certain person in particular in that job. He placed Doctor there for now to dispel that rumor. Pettit is way out of control. Students, parents, teachers of Stevenson, continue to stick together; you have a lot of support but because people are intimidated by Pettit, they may choose not to show their support in public.
Board, please deal with Pettit appropriately; he is concentrating his efforts on ruining Stevenson and anyone associated with it rather than concentrating on what he gets paid to do. Same goes for his puppets....marston, logan, schuerman; they, along with others, need to go! "




Speak freely wrote on Feb 28, 2009 1:35 PM:

" To Educators - Pettit has created more problems than he inherited. He should have been honest about the issues with the middle schools and had accurate data. Frustrating to see the teachers or so called 'coaches' speak on his behalf at the last public forum; interestingly enough, such educators all receive stipends! Citizens of Douglas, what have we allowed the so-called superintendent to do to our district? He is on a power trip so our children's education has been compromised! Pettit, go away & take your administrators with you. "




Debra Hill wrote on Feb 28, 2009 10:23 AM:

" It seems a few people are comfortable making accusations and questioning the character of some individuals by name. Yet the accusers choose to remain nameless. If you have facts to support your undefined, unclear, and so far unsupported accusations, don't you owe it to the community to state those facts and your sources? From Webster's Student Dictionary: SLANDER: n, untrue thing said about a person which hurts his reputation; crime of saying such things. 2) v, to say untrue things about a person: slanderous. Is this helpful to our children and their education, or to our community? "




Stevenson Teacher wrote on Feb 27, 2009 2:51 PM:

" did yall know Mr. doctor is our principal.....just got worse for me worse then having the changes "




Educators wrote on Feb 27, 2009 10:20 AM:

" The idea of redistricting is something that needs to be thought of carefully and cautiously. A change needs to happen because the world is changing. There has to be improvement of delivery in educating our children and families. Mr. Petit's plan was on the right track and because he is a "new member" of Douglas he needed to establish a relationship with the board members, school staff, parents, and the community first and take the redistricting a step at a time. He has inherited many district problems and he had a vision that could of been positive if the right steps had been taken and if the board had been receptive to his ideas. Don't give up Mr. Petit, build relationships and keep pushing the issue. "




To Beaner wrote on Feb 27, 2009 8:51 AM:

" People like you are the problem here. I guess in your "Pathetic" mind, Let everyone do what they want, huh? Let everyone break the law? Pay attention to what is going on, and think before you comment. We all want best for our children. But why should the children of the parents that are doing everything right and LEGAL suffer. With this said, I'm telling you I am being considerate. To the community that does not deserve to have all the over crowding at our childrens school come from people from another country. If they live here, BY ALL MEANS, they deserve to have an education here. We all have family in Mexico, but what's fair is fair. Metichi "




Just a thought wrote on Feb 26, 2009 7:18 AM:

" As a new resident of this town I investigated the school's background to decide which one to put my 6th grader in. I choose RBMS and have not regretted that decision since. Both middle schools are under the gun yet I feel as if there is ONE that is attempting to change where change is needed. What people don't realize is that if things keep on going the same direction it has been, it will produce the same results. Change is needed to produce different/positive results. Are you people afraid of change?
As a side note, I have been to the bars in Douglas, and "concerned parent" I have seen MANY principals, board members, teachers, ect. frequent them. If your going to point fingers, point them at everyone. "




Dear Concerned Parent wrote on Feb 25, 2009 7:41 PM:

" Yes, there have been a few bumps in the road at Ray Borane, as it was to be expected considering the amount of people that were "acting" principals during its unstable time. Being a concerned parent as well, I am concerned that when things get tough we just decide to quit or place blame instead of coming together to help our children. It is very easy to say nasty things about people or their decisions especially if you don't have all of the information. As you obivously don't by your comments. As parents we don't see everything that goes into making decisions as a principal. "




agree wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:59 PM:

" To Concerned Parent: CONGRATULATIONS for sharing your information on the principal at RBMS. As citizens, we all need to share any information we have about DUSD administration with the Board members and with the community. We all need to know who these people are that are responsible for our children's education. What kind of example are they setting; granted, what one does on their own time is their business but if Mr. Schuerman is doing something wrong within the realm of his work responsibilities, it has to be reported. Please, if anyone knows anything about any of these administrators who strangely enough, with the exception of a few, all seem to have a connection to Earl Pettit (even prior to coming to Douglas), contact the board members, attend board meetings, make your concerns known. Google Nick Schuerman; he has a connection to Washington; so does Earl Pettit; Google Mary Good; HR administrator has a connection to Whiteriver, so obviously, to Earl Pettit. Sounds like all these people are trying to throw their weight around. People of Douglas, we need to stand together on this! "




put your where your mouth is wrote on Feb 25, 2009 4:51 PM:

" Since so many of you have taken the time to criticize the board members and even parents and community members by name throughout the last several months, how many of you are willing to step up to the plate and become actively involved in your child's education? Many of you are talking about recalling the board members or not re-electing them when the time comes if they choose to run for office again. We are all entitled to our opinions but how many of you would like to be in their shoes? Personally, I do not envy any decisions they have ever made. I applaud the Board and all who actively participated in the so-called attendance zone problem. "




Too much talk No solutions wrote on Feb 25, 2009 10:34 AM:

" Enough already! We all know how this system works. First, the new Super needs to be in the pocket of the "good" school(s) parents if not he/she is not allowed to make any changes and will faces numerous road blocks. Second, students from Mexico will always be in our schools regardless if you take the plate number and have proof that they live in Mexico. Why? Because they know someone in the right places. Remember this is Douglas. Where change never comes from people from out of town it comes from people fromthe "right" side of town! Our current problem has nothing to do with the "Super', or the board. Our problem comes from our unwillingness to try new ideas that may in some small degree change "world". "




confused parent wrote on Feb 24, 2009 10:08 PM:

" come on, we all know why are schools are so overcrowded and our children failing, it is all thanks to all to
those kids that come from mexico, have there breakfast and lunch plus a free education and many with government benefits, this is sick and a burden to everyone. I personally think that all students here with a address of a friend or relative should be further investigated and if does not meet the residency requirements, that student should removed from the school system. We have to look after our children who are here legally and within there rights. If someone from the school district would take one day and follow these students after school, our classes would no longer be overcrowded which has lead to this big mess with no resolution. I called the school system and all I was told was to get the plate number and even the childs name and it would be looked into it, guess what ? I did and that child is still in school. So what does that tell you? "




Concerned Parent wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:42 PM:

" Thank you to Mr. Hoyack, Mrs. Lopez, and Mr. Rivera. It takes people like you to make this school district successful. Mr. Pettit came from far for what reasons? We have excellent people who can run our schools. We should not have to put up with crazy people like Nick Schuerman, who is known for being drunk at the local bars, or Earl Pettit. The focus should be on what is happening at RBMS. Nick Schuerman is doing so many wrong and unlawful things. If the parents from RBMS could only know what he has done and said. These two need to go back to where they came from. Do us all a favor and just leave!!! "




thank you wrote on Feb 24, 2009 5:12 PM:

" Board members, thank you for having an interest in the education of our children. Your job is a difficult one; your decisions will never please everyone. Citizens of Douglas and Pirtleville, enough already with Earl Pettit's recommendation not being accepted. What are we going to do to correct the issues? As a community, we must work together with the board to find a solution that will work. Teachers not teaching what they should be and underperforming schools are very important. The biggest roadblock is Earl Pettit. He should not be allowed to ruin our community. New board members, please do some research on him; he is nothing but bad news. Please realize that he does not have good intentions. We agree with Mr. Duarte; if all involved had been provided accurate and truthful information about the rezoning/reconfiguration, things may have gone a different way. Good thing Earl Pettit will not address these issues anymore (as he stated at the forum last week). That is the best news I have heard from him since he has been here. Please do not allow him to handle anything else; he has ruined his credibility. He needs to go; back to China or Thailand, wherever (except to Whiteriver) as long as he goes. "




beaner wrote on Feb 24, 2009 12:50 PM:

" ok to that everday person... you are so pathetic! seriously you should mind your own business. let those people from mexico live there own lives, especially their childrens. if they want to have there children in this sides' schools let them, they just want the best for them. by you saying this it just makes you seem inconsiderate and other thigs i can not say but would like to. metichi! "




Everyday wrote on Feb 24, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Everyday I see more MEXICAN plated cars picking up kids from ALL our public schools. If these people live in Mexico, let them go to school in Mexico. I guess they get a P.O. Box here in the U.S. and that gives them the right to go to school here. I will be contacting KGUN 9 and KVOA to see if someone else can do something about this. "




wecare wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:45 PM:

" For all you Pettit supporters, how can you not know there is gang activity in Douglas? You must never leave your homes so you do not see all the graffitti - you may want to check your property. Maybe more of you should have attended the presentation by the local GITEM task force last year. We all know middle schools have always had territorial issues; combining all 7th and 8th grade students in one location would be dangerous to say the least. Who knows more, Earl Pettit and his administration/puppets or someone who works with the task force? Although Pettit and his puppets will never admit it, the most important item that needs to be addressed are teachers who should not be teaching particular subjects! What can be done to lose the underperforming label the middle schools have (and also some elementary schools)? Moving kids and teachers to different buildings will not change that. Douglas has excellent teachers; be proud of that. To those that have not quite yet achieved that goal, why not? Teaching begins at home but you are getting paid to share your knowledge with your students in the classrooms. Students will remember the great teachers. Don't you want to be remembered 10, 15, 20 years from now as having been one of the best teachers your students had? "




well done wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:28 PM:

" Mrs. Lopez, Mr. Rivera, Mr. Hoyack, thank you for not being blinded by the lies of Earl Pettit. It is human nature for society to always have something to complain about so although some are happy and some are not with the decision, there is work to be done in order to provide the best education to our kids. Unfortunately, Earl Pettit's recommendation was all or nothing. As you heard, people are not opposed to change but the changes should be gradual and with some kind of backup plan. It is not fair to our children to make changes constantly if one does not work. Talk about interrupting their education! Board members, Earl Pettit cannot be trusted; he appears to be on a power trip and ultimately, the kids will pay. Let us move in the right direction by making the first move; please remove Earl Pettit as superintendent so those who have a sincere interest in the school district can work together on the problems at hand. Thank you. "




former bulldog also wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:16 PM:

" Bulldog: you should be ashamed of yourself for criticizing Mr. Hoyack and questioning his Christian values. You and others have gotten way too personal. Mr. Hoyack was not the only one who voted against Mr. Pettit's plan. If you are involved simply for the name calling, where does that leave you? Does it make you feel better having called Mr. Hoyack a hypocrite? Mr. and Mrs. Hoyack do so much for the community along with many other parents. Why don't you appreciate that and either get involved or just mind your own business? Guess we will all meet you soon since it sounds like you and bulldog4life may be running for school board. Will you also become involved with various school groups and committees in the community? You write that Mr. Hoyack's behavior and tactics were 'un Christian like' (you should work on your spelling); all the board members considered the facts presented by everyone and the good outweighed the bad; or rather the TRUTH OUTWEIGHED THE LIES. Unprofessional behavior and sly tactics you have via Earl Pettit. Sounds like you are ok with him providing false information to the board and parents. Maybe you should think about your values since you choose to support someone who lies! "




ditto wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Please take t's suggestion to Google Earl Pettit. The man is no good! If he is the great, honest, trustworthy, and professional person that many of you think he is, why did he get run off from the Whiteriver Unified School District? The best thing he did for that school district was resign! "




to disappointed wrote on Feb 23, 2009 7:03 PM:

" NEWSFLASH: There is a financial crisis going on EVERYWHERE, not just in Douglas and contrary to what many of you think, Mr. Hoyack, Mrs. Lopez, and Mr. Rivera are not to blame for it! A lot of you who comment should get your facts straight before hitting the keyboard. The school districts' situation is not a laughing matter at all but so many of the comments are downright dumb! "




just asking wrote on Feb 23, 2009 12:09 PM:

" To all of you who are being so critical of the board members who voted against the recommended model and of the parents who questioned the information Mr. Pettit provided, were you an active participant or just offering criticisms because you have nothing better to do? The committee Mr. Pettit was to work with represented parents throughout the district; congratulations to them for taking on this task. You should thank them for representing your children, not just theirs. Until all of you are willing to be on the school board or willing to be actively involved in your child's school (educational and extracurricular activites)please keep your negative comments to yourselves. All the bullying is not going to improve anything within the district. We all need to work with the board to correct the problems. The first problem that needs to be addressed is Mr. Earl Pettit. Since you all spend so much time on the computer, why don't you research him and where he came from. (hint: Whiteriver Unified School District)If you think he is so great, why did they get rid of him? Board, count your losses and get rid of Mr. Pettit for the good of the children and community. Please. "




fyi wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:58 AM:

" Mr. Blaskey, concerning your editorial on Thursday, you mistakenly wrote that many chose not to say anything about the rezoning/reconfiguration until quite late into the project. For your information, although Earl Pettit ran a public service announcement on the local radio station indicating that he had made his recommendation to the board after 'surveys and 3 public forums', those public forums were held after the fact! Thank you board for making those forums available to all. "




shocked wrote on Feb 23, 2009 11:47 AM:

" I cannot believe the ignorance of so many. In case you have not noticed, the entire country is suffering economically. Please do not blame that on the fact that Pettit's recommendation was not accepted. Every city, county, and state is facing budget cuts whether their school district is being rezoned or reconfigured! It is shocking to see how many of you would rather criticize than take a proactive approach. Get involved and if you choose not to do so, please keep quiet! "




in shock wrote on Feb 21, 2009 1:58 PM:

" It is hard to believe that so many in Douglas are taking the time to criticize the board members who voted against Pettit's plan. Some of you say that Mr. Hoyack should not have voted because of his involvement with Stevenson. Shame on you. All board members either have children in the district or have had them in the past. Should they not have voted? Ms. Kramer and Mrs. Lopez were not in agreement yet none of you are making remarks about them. They both currently have children in the district. Give the Hoyack's a rest already! It is time you all stop pointing fingers at the board members, ptso members, concerned parents and community members and instead either work with DUSD to correct the issues at hand or just stay out of it. No matter what, there will be critics. Can't you people see that the problem is Earl Pettit? Why don't you spend some time doing a little research on him and find out why he is no longer welcome anywhere near where he previously worked. It will not take a "Rocket Scientist" to see that Pettit does not belong in Douglas. By the way, to 'rocket scientist', it is very obvious Pettit does not like Mr. Ortiz because he was not afraid to disagree with the proposed changes to DUSD. Yes, Pettit wants Ortiz out, so he can bring in one of his cronies/puppets. Keep Mr. Ortiz, get rid of Pettit!
By the way, last time there were 3 openings for school board seats, only the 3 current members expressed an interest. "




Douglas Parent wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:52 PM:

" To all of you "Concerned Citizens, Parents and Taxpayers!!And Melissa Ramirez!!!I find this so so so sad how You people place the blame on so many people, teachers and parents! In my last statement yesterday, I did not mean in any way to place a blame on a teacher( and I do not talk from both sides of the mouth). Every single teacher that my children have had have made them HONOR ROLL STUDENTS!! AND I THANK GOD FOR TEACHERS AND MY CHILDREN!!! However; to state a fact, when they(children in general) enter Cochise College or any College for that fact, how is it that they can not pass the Entance Exams? Could it be that the children do not have a clue? How many of you people that are bitc**** are 2 parents that are working? I know that both of US work very long hours, drop off our children, pick up our children, come home where they do homework!!!!! Same thing every day!!! Why??Because WE believe in our children!!! I could get really rude here and very mouthy and what pushes me there? You people making these comments about the parents and the Board!!Come on People, did you go to the meetings? Do you have children? Are your Children in the "No Change Zone" ? or why is it that you are so for this? I have lived here for many, many years!!!!
Like I said, this change will work in California, but not in Douglas!! And get a GRIP!!!!!THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD, IT IS NOT THE END OF DOUGLAS!!!!THIS IS THE PEOPLE (THE BOARD AND THE ACUTUAL PARENTS THAT BELIEVE) TAKING A STAND!!! And why are they taking a stand?????Because of so many surveys that they sent home in the past for our children that we all filled out!! It did not make ONE BIT OF DIFFERENCE!!!NOW SOMEBODY FINALY LISTENED!! ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN!!PRESIDENTS IN THE PAST AND SOLDIERS WHOM HAVE GIVEN ME MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! I AM SORRY TO THE BOARD WHO ARE GETTING REPEATIDLY ATTACKED ON!! "




left a long time ago wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:45 PM:

" I no longer live in Douglas, although I was born and grew up there. My brothers and I all received a good education. Being an adult now, and looking back, I must say it could have been better if we hadn't been so lazy and if some of those classes could have been presented better. You can restructure boundries all you want but if you don't have 1. parents 2. students or 3. teachers that really care, nothing you do will change the situation. I live in a city where 7th and 8th grade are considered junior highschool. K-6th is considered elementary school and 9th-12th is highschool, but the 9th graders go into what is known as freshman house, they are seperated from 10, 11, and 12th grade for there core classes. this system works really well. By keeping the sixth graders in elementary it gives their brains a little more time to develop and they learn how to make wiser decisions, there is less pressure. By putting the freshman in their own house it eases them into the way high school works an lessons the anxity(sp).

Now Douglas has a lot of old families there, that do not like change. I don't know your super but if mr. ortiz wants the job he will probably wind up with it. I also think you guys should take a look at your national scores they are pretty sad. 57% in math come on. thats failing. and I know they use to have excellent math teachers there, Mr. Danaker being one of them. Mr. Foster, Mr. Brown and Mr. James and Mr. Russell rounded up the History department, Mr. James being the hardest. Mr. Huxtable, was also hard.
I sure can see why people are doing more drugs there, when you feel like you are the only one fighting the battle, sometimes ya just need to get away.

And for the really frustrate parents there is always homeschool. I did it for 2 years and my children thrived. They are both at the top of their classes in public school now, and they both are taking AP classes. The best part is that I got to spend all that time with my girls. "




Chuey Duarte wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:12 PM:

" First of all, I commend the board for their vote, it will prove to have been correct.
To Mr. Petit and the OSI staff, I just wish that you would have been upfront with the Douglas community from the start. The REAL reason for the restructuring was to save Huber Middle School from being taken over by the state, plain and simple. Ms. Marston told us herself at the Turning Point Meeting in January.
I do feel that change is needed, but it has to be the right change for the right reason. And please don't look at the Hispanic population in Douglas as a bunch of conformist that will follow blindly without asking questions. When the questions came, you skirted around them or took them as total opposition to change.
Now is the time to start a new study as to how to best reconfigure our school district to make it more efficient. Let's start the process towards that and have it back before the board in a years time.
Maybe we can now let bygones be bygones and come to the table with no hidden agendas to do what is best for the students of DUSD.
Thanks again to the DUSD governing board. "




not as educated wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:57 PM:

" to "Educated Tax Payer"

it is would have not would of

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln "




Disappointed wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:27 PM:

" Hoyack, Lopez, and Rivera please stop ruining our district and do the right thing and step down. Don't you guys read of what is going on in our state or county as far as budget shortfalls are concerned? Your votes were very irresponsible. None of you have ever been a teacher k-12, so you really don't understand the magnitude of our dire financial situation. I thought Hoyack had better common sense, I guess I thought wrong. "




Bulldog wrote on Feb 20, 2009 5:37 PM:

" Hoyack, it is time for you to go! What goes around comes around. You'll soon be facing changes at Cochise so keep that in mind. I hope you can look at yourself in the mirror and really tell yourself what you have done was morally right. I think any credibility you once had is diminished. I personally doubt that any teachers from outside of Stevenson want you around. You call yourself a Christian? Your behavior and tactics were very un Christian like. What a hypocrite! "




Shocked and appalled wrote on Feb 20, 2009 4:43 PM:

" While so many people are attacking Mrs. Hoyack as being the mastermind of the defeat, it might surprise the community that Mr. Petit was holding her personally responsible for the fact that over 1000 students were absent the day it snowed in Douglas. Mr. Petit needs a reality check since he obviously has problems with a minority town and their residents. "




t wrote on Feb 20, 2009 4:11 PM:

" It looks like many people fell for the propaganda letter that was sent home with the students. That letter sided with one decision and listed only the negatives for the other choice. Educate yourself on the possible outcomes, don't trust the propoganda that was so obviously slanted. Redistricting is not the solution at the time. It was being jumped into too quickly. People should Google Petit to see how impressive his ideas and and past truly are and see how much he cares to know about the area dynamics where he works. You then might think twice about siding with him.
As for Hoyack, he and his wife do not always agree and he is vocal and stands on his own when they do not agree. If this is a case where they agree on the same thought then so be it. Hoyack voted towards what he saw as the best option for our students.
If you all really want to see a drastic change, close the Port of Entry one morning and you will see what redistricting needs to be done. Then the classroom sizes will get much smaller. "




Educated Taxpayer wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:58 PM:

" The Taxpayer who mentions that Earl is incompetent needs to be educated on a few things. First of all education begins at home! Not at ELC or pre school at HOME. Teachers are being held accountable, the parents also need to be held accountable. The district needs to reconfigure not for your sake or mine but for all the kids in the district. This motion would of created smaller class sizes which leads to better learning. Smaller classrooms leads to more one on one situations which leads to to better teaching. Most important when the state does come down and takes over our middle schools what about the teachers that are not rehired? Do we can thank ou board members for that or do we thank you taxpayer? "




Douglas Teacher wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:09 AM:

" Wow. Mr. Petit had a viable solution that the parents and board failed to realize, and as of last week, we are facing an even greater challenge with a 20% education budget reduction in Cochise County that had not even been forseen. This would have offset this deficit a bit, and now we are facing much graver choices of MAJOR layoffs, and the students will suffer dramatically. Huge class sizes will hurt student performance in a district underachieving as it is. I doubt the parents who opposed the restructure are even aware that the rest of the country is far outperforming Douglas youth, so whoever says their education worked was just lucky, or had better support at home. How anyone can complain that they would have kids at multiple schools is foolish, as they will in a few years anyways. Big deal. Drive (or how about this ocncept..WALK!!) the 4 blocks to drop off your students. Wow. All of this so one school can look good at the expense of an entire community. Selfish, and ignorant. Let's keep Douglas in the stone age because of people afraid of change. Guess it's time to move out, as the future of our youth is at tremendous risk, and that will effect everyone. Sorry Mr. Petit..Wild stuff...Hired to change the system, and stifled in the process. "




Melissa Ramirez wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:39 AM:

" Dear Parents,
The final decision regarding the configuration is a result of your input and concerns expressed during each and every meeting, committee meetings, open forums, etc. The board ultimately represented the majority so therefore they have done their job. Obviously, we have some upset parents regarding the decision, but lets face it, posting damaging statements will not get us anywhere. These terrible comments are not being proactive and not to mention the fact that people continue to hide behind a "post name" makes it all even worse. It is always interesting to see how people have something hurtful to say, but never show their faces. Now that is "same old, same old."
Ownership does wonderful things and it is liberating. Maybe our administration should try it sometime and maybe then we can make progress.
Regarding Mr. Pettit on Tuesday night when he was challenged with the question of his proposal maybe not passing he said he would not go through with it again. (My way or the highway mentality) Second, when the voting took place he did not speak like a true leader. He did not say not even "Thank you." or "I'm sorry this was not passed, but I will continue to make an effort" Not even to his own supporters!
Effective leadership goes a long way!
Now I'm asking you parents, is this the kind of Superintendent we want? "




Product of a Douglas Education wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:09 AM:

" I attended the forums and never saw any proof that restructuring the district would prove to be a positive or productive move. Mr. Petit never demonsrated in his proposal how this would postitively effect our students. Where was the information and research from other districts that had the same models he was proposing? When asked about the research on the academic effectiveness of his proposed models, he had no answer. Let's stop blaming our teachers and start holding our children accountable for their education, as well. Yes, our governing board members are elected officials and with more reason we need to support their decision. We entrusted them with our vote, lets have faith in their decision and judgement. "




just a thought wrote on Feb 19, 2009 10:49 PM:

" I understand that this sounds like a good plan but would this have really made a long term difference. I work for the DUSD and I have sadly seen that it is not really the teachers who are not doing their jobs it's just that some students are not interested in what happens. They really don't care what happens to them and don't care about their future. This plan to me just seemed like it was moving the problem from one place to another. I also think this was to quick to really think of the pros and cons. Maybe in the future this plan can be calmly and with more time presented once more. "




Rocket Scientist wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:55 PM:

" It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that those that voted against the restructuring want Mr. Petit out so that they can get Mr. Rafael Ortiz in. I also believe that the board president was extremely biased on his opinion of the restructuring because of his wife's position as PTSO President...isn't that a conflict of interest? Our children lost out on an opportunity to better our schools because people are so afraid of change. Shame on you who could be so inconvenienced by something that could have made a difference in YOUR child's life. "




another concern parent wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:36 PM:

" First of all "Thank you Ms. Krammer, Mr. Ramos for your support to the students and comunity". And of course Ms. Hoyack for getting her way again. It is strange we where not getting any where with the former superintenden Zamar, now we have someone trying to make changes that that will help this community, and thinks about our students. We who do not like change, destroy it. Change is bib, but everyone needs it once in a while. The board members who voted this does have no ideal what they did. These students are our future . "




VERY HAPPY PARENT wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:34 PM:

" "Thank you Mr Hoyack "Board President"
Ms Lopez and Mr Rivera you are the best Board Members!!! I'm a member of this wonderful Douglas Community" job well done", We'll make sure we keep on electing you all as BOARD MEMBERS and to you Mr Ramos and Kramer we'll make sure you don't get elected next year, you need to listen to what the community wants. Mr Pettit wants to destroy our DUSD. Please find a new Superintendet. What good man are we running out of town "Hello" Concerned Parent. AGAIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH! VERY HAPPY PARENT. "




mother of 2 in the district wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:12 PM:

" Parents stop expecting everyone to do your job; the teachers & staff aren't the only ones who have to take resposibility for our childrens education! Do what you have to do & maybe then we won't have the trouble of our children not learning! "




discouraged wrote on Feb 19, 2009 6:01 PM:

" I am ashamed to say I am from the Douglas District. "




me wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:27 PM:

" I GUESS TO FIX THE FINANCIAL SHORT FALL FOR THE STUDENT BODY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WE MIGHT NEED BORDER PATROL AT EVERY ENTRANCE OF THE SCHOOLS. MAYBE NOW OUR KIDS CAN ENJOY A GOOD EDUCATION AND NOT BE OVERCROWDED. "




Cup-o-Joe wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:26 PM:

" Budget cuts are happening all over Arizona, It is not the fault of not reconstructing or whatever they call it. I don't belive it is fair to balme one person or another. the board made a decision based on the wishes of the majority of the poeple they represent (democratic way of life) and sometimes it means a few folks do DO NOT get their way. How can some folks be so negative? why not help instead of complaining? Of couse these folks probably believe that the world will end in 12.12.2012 so it won't matter anyways... "




Bulldog4life wrote on Feb 19, 2009 4:56 PM:

" I call for the immediate resignation of Chuck Hoyack. I was a confict of interest for him to have a vote. His wife was a big advocate for keeping the schools the same.I guess he rather keep his wife happy than do what is right for the district. Shame on you and the rest of the board. I hope the three who voted against the transition RESIGN..... It is a sad day in Douglas Az, a day to go down in history..This is gonna cause a lot of friction between Stevenson and the rest of the schools. "




Innovative Thinkers and Problem Solvers Need not Apply wrote on Feb 19, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Perhaps this is how the DUSD School Board should advertise for Mr. Pettit's current position when he acknowledges the futility of his role here. How can you effect change, when change is not allowed here? Perhaps you should advertise for an individual with strings attached to their head, arms, and legs -- so the puppet can dance according to the Mission of NO CHANCE FOR CHANGE in Douglas ? "




Board member explanations wrote on Feb 19, 2009 4:10 PM:

" An abundance of information that clearly and rationally explained the necessity of redistricting was provided by Mr. Pettit and the team he put together...Do the Board Members have ANY clear and rational explanations for opposing the solution? Doesn't the Board realize that what is popular (keeping things as they always have been)is not what is best for the education of our children? It is certainly NOT a solution oriented or progressive approach. I ask also, what now DUSD? Board members, justify your vote, PLEASE. "




Douglas citizen wrote on Feb 19, 2009 3:32 PM:

" First of all people need to STOP attacking board members family (Bulldog)
You are getting personal. The board members made a decison on what they think is best. They have MORE facts than you! Is the superintendent really telling the community the TRUTH? "




Bulldog too wrote on Feb 19, 2009 2:57 PM:

" To Bulldog, Mr.Hoyack as well as the rest of the Board Members have every right to vote on this issue. FYI - each of those board members have or have had children that attending Douglas public schools. The only difference between them and everybody else is that they have the backbone to run for School Board and make a difference in our community!!! "




Douglas Parent wrote on Feb 19, 2009 2:57 PM:

" Dear Concerned Citizen: all though entitled to your opinion, I think you should rethink your blame. Are you telling me that all parents are bad? I think not!! My children do wonderful in school, and we have taken them and picked them up from school everyday since they entered. All of their freinds they have do wonderful in school, so I am thinking we parents are doing something right. As a parent, my concern is yanking a child out of an environment that they are used to, teachers they are used to and taking them away from their friends. You aren't thinking about that are you? You take a straight "A" student out of an environment that they are accustomed to and that will have a dramatic change to their willingness to try, to learn and to achieve. I am talking from experience as a child being moved around. This restructuring may work in California, but not Douglas. Don't put all the blame on the parents, think of the big picture. Are the teachers doing their job? Does a child actually have the knowledge before passing them onto another grade? I seriously doubt teachers will be losing their jobs just because of this, but it is happening in the WHOLE U.S, alot of people are losing their jobs due to the economy, not the restructuring. "




Concerned Citizen wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:10 PM:

" Your right it is someones' fault-It's the parents fault for not doing what they're supposed to being parents! It's also the boards fault for listening to parents who don't know how to be parents but sure know how to fix the school system. The school district needs money let's start charging the parents of the failing students for wasting our time and money while in school! "




Im pro education wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:36 AM:

" As a community member it is obvious that the majority of the board feels that it is more important to convenience the parents than promote the education of our students. Mr. Hoyack, Ms. Lopez and Mr. Rivera should be recalled before they do more damage to a fragile district. We need forward thinking people on the board and less input from Mrs Hoyack who threatens the board. There are many other voters in community who are pro education. Let us rally around Mr. Petit. "




Bulldog wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:32 AM:

" I guess Mrs. Hoyack got her way. I guess all their bullying tactics paid off. Mr. Hoyack should have never been allowed to be part of this vote because of his personal involvement with Stevenson Elementary. Now our district is going to have to face some major financial decisions that we wouldn't have to be dealing with if the restructuring had occured. You might have to say goodbye to sports, ELC, etc. pretty soon. I hope Mr. Rivera, Mr. Hoyack, and Mrs. Lopez feel good about their vote. "




dear concerned parenttaxpayer wrote on Feb 19, 2009 7:49 AM:

" The meeting was not a bunch of bologna!!!!!! I'm also a parent and this will not affect the education system in Douglas. Earl is incompetent he needs to get fired!!!!!! He messed up a district in up state AZ now he wants to screw this one. Dusd needs to step up to the plate, hold teachers accountable if other districts can do it i don't see why we can. The teachers that need to lose there jobs are the ones no doing there jobs that why our middle schools are under performing!!!!!!! Congrats to the DUSD board. "




This is the deal wrote on Feb 19, 2009 5:09 AM:

" Why didn't the real story come out? The restructuring was necessary because the two middle schools are in jeopardy of the state coming in and taking over the schools. Huber Middle School is in trouble this year with AIMS scores. Next year it could be Ray Borane Middle School that is in trouble with the AIMS. From the times that I have visited the schools, I see the teachers working very hard to make sure that the kids know the material to pass the tests. The kids don't seem to take it all very seriously. I predict a lot of students that will not pass on to the next grade levels this year. This seems to be going on at both middle schools. If the restructuring had happened then would this have solved the problem? It would have solved the problem from the state coming in to take over the schools, teachers and administrators from losing their jobs, inconveniencing the parents a bit with transporting their kids, but the real problem is that the kids do not take their education seriously. Each grade level points the finger at their predecessor, but you can't teach a student who doesn't want to listen, do their practice, or have a nurturing homelife. Perhaps if students are to stay in elementary school until they have the skills to enter middle school, and middle school until they enter high school, then when it is time to enter college, they just might be prepared. Parents we need to get more involved with the schools and support the fine teachers that are trying daily to motivate your kids to learn what they need to be successful in life. Let's all understand that the restructuring had more to it than overcrowded schools. It had to do with maintaining teachers that have taught in Douglas for years that understand the makeup of our great population of diverse learners. Get involved! Encourage your kids! Volunteer at the schools! "




Controversy wrote on Feb 18, 2009 10:43 PM:

" Hey Larry... you want to see controversy, watch what this inaction by the board will bring down on the schools in the form of budget shortfalls and state sanctions. "




why even have a Superintendent wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:54 PM:

" Why have a Superintendent when the Board axes his innovative solutions for educational change? Not only the restructuring, but what about the arrangements he made for Dental Care for students that would not otherwise have this vital service? I suppose we can be expecting the Board to be looking for another Superintendent locally so that Douglas Schools can continue to be NON-PROGRESSIVE ? "




same old same old in Douglas wrote on Feb 18, 2009 4:36 PM:

" Thank you to Susan Kramer and Mario Ramos for supporting the efforts to create a positive change in the educational environment of Douglas. It's sad that so many idividuals are close-minded and short sighted. Thank you to Mr. Pettit for offering progressive solutions to address significant issues ignored by the previous Superintendent. Remember Douglas (& board members),these problems are not new and require action be taken. Mr. Pettit seems to be among the minority in that realization. Do the dissenting members have alternative solutions? "




Disappointed Parent wrote on Feb 18, 2009 2:50 PM:

" It's a shame that the board made this a personal issue. Weather you like the Mr Petit or not the idea was good. I guess one school dictates to the rest of us. Shame on you board and many of us do vote and will remember this. It's like the bully boards of the old days, the board will probably run a good man out of town. "




Concerned Parent and Taxpayer wrote on Feb 18, 2009 1:32 PM:

" I think the Board Meeting was a bunch of Bologna!! By not restructuring the district, the students and the teachers are the ones that will get affected. I too am a parent of children at a school that i'm not going to mention. I was all for the restructure. I think the citizens of Douglas should have thought about the education of the children and not how it's an inconvenience to them to transport to diffent schools. Some teacher's might be loosing there jobs due to financial difficulties and there might not be enough money for summer school next year, this includes high school. HELLO PEOPLE! Now who is going to suffer when the children dont pass a class and can't make it up! "

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