Pettit back at work

By Larry Blaskey
Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:51 PM MDT


Superintendent Earl Pettit went back to the Central Administration office this week after the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board lifted his reassignment at a special meeting last week.


By a 3-2 vote, with Board President Chuck Hoyack and Patricia Lopez dissenting, the board reinstated Petit to his position.

He had been reassigned to his home and his position taken by Interim Associate Superintendent Dr. Earl Simmons.

It was Simmons recommendation that Pettit return after no legal wrongdoing was discovered during an investigation.

The board did vote 4-1 with Mario Ramos dissenting to continue investigating to see if Pettit had broken district policy.

On March 10, the board voted 3-2  to reassign Pettit, pending completion of an investigation, concerning questions about the removal of 100 students from the English Language learners program in Stevenson.

Borane may close

During the regular meeting of the board, they looked at several proposals to cut 12.5 percent from their budget, which includes closing Ray Borane Middle School and moving the students to Huber.

Look at www.douglasdispatch.com for more details. A full story will be in the April 22 issue

Comments

    to totally unfair wrote on May 6, 2009 9:29 PM:

    " I agree with you, it is sooo unfair, they shoud get paid more!! "

    Yacker wrote on May 6, 2009 5:07 PM:

    " I think some illegal alien hired at home depot would do a better job as the board, rather than the current people.

    I'm JUST SAYIN'!! "

    Angry Student wrote on May 5, 2009 10:45 AM:

    " I never said I was in RBMS or PHMS, I am a student who will be graduating and I do have a sister who attends RBMS,who will be completing so think before you write. This is the reason I know what I am writing, yes and I will be 18 (an Adult) soon. "

    Totally Unfair wrote on May 5, 2009 3:24 AM:

    " Why are Huber teachers being rewarded with an extra bonus for the terrible job they have done the last five years? I agree with one of the comments, reward the teachers and principals who have done a good job by earning performing or performing plus status. These schools have earned this bonus not the schools who have failed. Huber and RBMS are the reason for all our problems. Why are we rewarding their substandard performance? Huber and RBMS parents you should be very upset and make these teachers accountable for this situation. Not all teachers are to blame but five or more years of failure is enough to demand resignations of teachers that are not cutting it. "

    Wesley wrote on May 3, 2009 11:00 PM:

    " I think the state gov. should come in and clean house. Get rid of every decision making administration official in this district including the governing board and replace them with honest, loyal, law abiding officials that look out for the intrests of our DOUGLAS resident students and get rid fo the fraudulent allowance of all these students from agua prieta whos families do'nt contribute a single penney to our local or state tax system. This should be against the law. These officials are more intrested in the extra revenue these students produce than think about the burden this places on our own from here. I have no problem with the extra programs and time that are dedicated to our spanish speaking students as long as their family is contributing to our tax system. "

    Act Now wrote on May 3, 2009 10:42 PM:

    " Get Earl Pettit, Nick Schuerman, and Mary Good out of our community and schools. We need good, caring, and certified professionals, not evil, lieing, and non certified idiots. Focus on these three fools. Nick Schuerman is getting paid for sitting in his office all day long. How can we allow our tax money to be thrown away like that? Mr. Hoyack, Mrs. Lopez, and Mr. Rivera, thank you for all your hard work and keep holding your heads up high. May God Bless you three for being so caring and thoughtful to our community and schools. "

    Cup-o-Joe wrote on May 3, 2009 12:18 PM:

    " Principal (elementary), check your spelling, grammar and punctuation!! "

    Cup-o-Joe wrote on May 3, 2009 12:11 PM:

    " The board is elected by the people and they need to listen to those folks who elected them. Call them!!!

    I am surprised that the Dispatch has allowed some of the hatefull distastefull comments to be posted. "

    Concerned Employee wrote on May 3, 2009 9:24 AM:

    " I am proud of the Angry Student. Does it take a student to clarify issues in the school district? Looking at the Board minutes for May, another Vice-principal is on the cutting list. Why are the hires being hired??? Are they replacememts for current employees who are excellent in their present positions and committed to our students and community???? Yet, no one has been notified about this. It that professionalism or plain underhanded politics???? Why are the middle school teachers being offered an incentive when they are the ones who caused the restructuring issues in the first place. The school district offered them compensation for the inconvenience of not teaching to federal standards. Wow!!! What happens to the schools and teachers who Met, Performing, and Performing Plus??? I guess, it is just another day at work!!!! How about making sure that employees who are valuable stay and are not cast out with a new hire??? How about rewarding the schools who actually Perform???? We need your help Board members!!!! We are here for the students and community of Douglas, not for personal vendettas!!!! "

    To Angry Student wrote on May 2, 2009 7:03 PM:

    " Give me a break since when does a junior high school kid care about Board members being at their ceremony? What a joke.If a kid could write like that from RBMS they wouldn't be a failing school, most likely it is a disgruntled adult who has a problem with Schurmann. Grow up, move on and get with the program. Worry about if there is going to be enough money to have our schools operational. Better yet use your time in being constructive and educate yourself as to the huge problems we may be having in public education overall. Stop being so small minded and using "students" to deliver your mindless messages. The only students that would write anything would be high school kids and I don't hear them saying anything negative about the School Board OR Mr.Pettit. "

    Stop this madness wrote on May 1, 2009 8:13 PM:

    " All this attack on our schools is not doing anything to help our kids. Huber Parent want Pettit fired for "destroying the district" but in everything we read no one will change or improve as he is trying to make happen. I guess Huber Parent is happy that her kid goes to a school which has failed to meet AYP for 5 years straight. Angry student hit right on the head alright when he/she said "I heard..." I believe that is exactly the problem. The hateful, mean, and spiteful personal attacks based upon empty rumor. When will Douglas just let the Superintendent be the Superintendent and the Board be the Board? From my perspective, things in the District are pretty good for staff with benefits remaining, no lay-offs, no cuts in programs, no closing schools, teachers getting an extra grand next year, sports expanded for middle schools, etc. What's lacking is correcting the attendance zones, improving the quality of instruction, and an ELL program at Stevenson! Fix those problems and stop bashing everyone. "

    HUBER PARENT wrote on May 1, 2009 12:41 AM:

    " PLEASE BOARD MEMBERS FIRE MR EARL PETTIT
    HE'S DESTROYING OUR DUSD, SEND HIM HOME WHERE HE BELONGS, BEFORE IS TOO LATE.
    HATS OFF TO YOU MR. HOYACK, MS. LOPEZ AND MR.RIVERA, THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL
    DONE. GET RID OF HIM!!!! "

    Angry Student wrote on Apr 30, 2009 10:50 PM:

    " I just want to say thank you for supporting Mr.Hoyack, Mr.Rivera,and Ms.Lopez they are a blessing as board members and care about us students.
    People here on this page who write negative things of them do not realize how it effects them and their children.
    PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON US! You three are very strong,professional and dedicated. Hope to see you at graduation, I also hope you go to the RBMS and PHMS completion ceremony as I hear RBMS principal Nick Schuerman does not want three specific board members there.Also I agree with everything " what I see wrote" and "Saddened" wrote.
    Thank You "

    what I see wrote on Apr 28, 2009 7:23 PM:

    " From what I have seen when tuning in to board meetings, Mr. Hoyack is very much a professional. It is his job to make sure board meetings are run in an orderly fashion. He has at times, reminded those in attendance that there are certain protocols in place. Most of you so-called concerned professionals/administrators, community members, etc., do not even come close to being a 'proper person'. You want improper conduct by a board member then you have that in Susan Kramer. This person has totally lost control of herself at meetings. She has been unprofessional, rude, loud, and disrespectful. In fact, she has a lot of the same traits as Mr. Pettit. Mrs. Kramer, you have been contacted to talk about concerns regarding issues within the district but you made it very clear that you had no interest in listening. You must have forgotten the special meeting held at Stevenson where you made the remark (rather sarcastically) that people who want to speak to you should stop you on the street as so many do yet you have chosen to ignore those who want to speak to you. As an elected member, you are obligated to listen to everyone, not just people who support Mr. Pettit.
    People criticize Mr. Rivera for asking questions; would you all rather he just vote without knowing why? You say Mrs. Lopez just sits there; what would you rather have her do, raise her voice like Kramer? She speaks when it matters! Mr. Ramos is the one that just sits there.
    Come on people, the board members, whether we approve of them or not, have a heck of a difficult job to do. No matter what the outcome is of the entire Earl Pettit saga, not everyone will be happy. It is very sad to see that one person has destroyed so much in what was once a great community. Friendships have been lost, name-calling seems to be the norm now, not many know who to trust, children have no idea where they will go to school, community members have had their reputations and credibility ruined, the list goes on. Except for those that Pettit has in some way befriended (in the form of salaries or maybe by promising a certain position), this man has done nothing but damage to Douglas. Why can't you all see that? "

    saddened wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:55 PM:

    " I cannot believe the hateful comments people write about the board members...namely, Mr. Hoyack, Mrs. Lopez, and Mr. Rivera. You people should all be ashamed of yourselves and the examples you are setting for the children. You have gotten way too personal. Most of you would not be able to handle being a board member.

    Hopefully someday soon, all you Pettit supporters and 3 board member haters will see that Earl Pettit is nothing but trouble. Maybe some of you don't realize that Earl Pettit did not come to Douglas alone, Mary Good & Nick Schuerman are also part of the problem within the district. Board members have a lot to deal with and we should commend them instead of attacking them.

    To all who have had problems with any dusd employee, I encourage you to contact your board members. It is their responsibility to listen to all concerns/issues. Although unpaid, being a board member is a job. Please do not involve their families. The name calling and threatening comments must stop! Please. "

    to hoyack out wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:31 PM:

    " I cannot believe how full of hatred you are for Mr. Hoyack. I am shocked at the tone of your comment - you are the evil, spiteful, hateful, and vindictive one. You sound like you are crazy. For you to sound as bad as you do, you are either directly involved with this or just plain & simple, do not like Mr. Hoyack for whatever reason. I would even venture to say that behind your 'name', you may actually be the infamous Earl Pettit or maybe the equally infamous Mike Nava. Both just as bad. Whoever you are, you definitely need some kind of help - probably mental! "

    hoyack out wrote on Apr 23, 2009 5:26 AM:

    " The real problem, the cancer that is ravaging through the entire district is not Mr. Simmons, it's not Mr. Pettit it's Mr. Chuck Hoyack! this man has lost all sense of reality, this man has lost it! He has no grasp of what it is to be a proper member of the board, his reality is what effects him, his wife or his family personally, and to Heck with everyone else! Mr. Hoyack I hope you read this because plain and simple you are evil, vindictive, and spiteful and hateful! For the good of the district please resign! you evil evil man! "

    Mr. Yacker wrote on Apr 21, 2009 3:54 PM:

    " Look at all you yackity yackers talking away criticizing other people for their behavior. And to you administrators and certified workers of nobody cares, learn to be professional, keep your comments about your co workers to yourself, especially those in authority. If all you people have a problem, then get your voice heard AT THE BOARD MEETINGS! Don't just sit there and pretend like you are righteous by coming on here and judging away, YOU"RE JUST AS MUCH THE PROBLEM BY THINKING YOU CAN JUST BLABBER ON THE DISPATCH. If you really want to do something GET THIS BOARD OUT! GET THEM OUT OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM! As far as i'm concerned, The DUSD board members have always been a disgrace to the community. "

    another Faras parent wrote on Apr 20, 2009 7:47 PM:

    " I to would love to see my child stay there one more year to mature just alittle more i was so happy when i heard they were going to have 6th grade and then things changed. I know Mr. Enriquez would love to be a 6th grade teacher he himself has told me. He and ALL the staff has worked so hard at Faras to bring the school to where its at I have a son who is in kinder and a son who is in fifth. The staff is so down to earth they help you in everyway they can. I'm sure All the schools have wounderful staff, but Faras has brought there school to a perfoming plus YEA!!!! I would like to just see my son mature alittle more. PLEASE consider the parents at Faras we ALL would LOVE to see Faras go to 6th grade. "

    Principal wrote on Apr 19, 2009 9:08 PM:

    " As an administrator of a school in DUSD may I say the most important thing to focus on is our students. We as administrators have a huge job, getting through the financial cuts of our schools and still trying to provide a quality education, dealing with the woes of society at our doorsteps when kids come to school hungry or abused, working with children with special needs be it autism or physical handicaps and giving them a rightful place for learning, working with CPS when neglect is an issue,being a support for a student whose family is having hard times, raising money to buy library books or finance field trips, preparing for state tests reminding kids they will do great because everyone believes in them,keeping our schools safe and delivering on a promise to do our best for all learners. Also did I mention getting through all the political strife? Our jobs are challenging to say the least, keeping the morale up of our people to keep working hard in our educational programs in the face of uncertainity so our children can have a fair shot at life,all this in an atmosphere of anger of so many people, a Board that is unsure of it's decisions that impact us and make the job even harder. So why do we stay here? Because in the end we all will be judged by our actions, but above all becaause we are professionals. I know the principals will do everything to support our students, staffs and community. We have always done so no matter WHO the superintendent is, it is our job and if our leader is Mr. Pettit then we will work with him to bring change, find solutions and if need be disagree when it is necessary. We can do this and still go forward because the stakes are too high and the future of our children cannot be risked over politics and personal discontent. To my colleages that ARE at their buildings we will continue to live up to our promise "STUDENTS FIRST!" "

    Incredible wrote on Apr 19, 2009 8:26 PM:

    " I was at the District meeting when Dr. Simmons presented his plan and to be honest I didn't have much faith. He is a nice man and intelligent but lacked the persona of a leader. He was uncomfortable and clearly not prepared to deal with tough questions. It is incredible that the Board put him there and risked our District. I am glad he stepped down because this District needs someone with gumption in the face of adversity.The message is not going to be nice but we need a leader that has clout. Simmons obviously saw the handwriting on the wall and he could not deal with it. I believe he realized he was out of his league. Hopefully we will have leadership to get us through the difficult days ahead. "

    Grow Up wrote on Apr 19, 2009 8:19 PM:

    " We have a superintendent that is going to have a really hard job to do. In this financial crisis he is trying to save jobs while still trying to provide a good education for the children. I cannot beleive how everything is blamed on Mr. Pettit. If there were an earthquake tomorrow those hateful people would blame him. Move on and allow the District to work out the financial turmoil. While other Districts are working on how to save their schools through this crisis we can't because some people can't get on with what is really important and keep going back to petty criticisms. Suck it up and allow the District to prepare for the hits we will be taking next year.Too much time is going by and we haven't resolved the important issues of our schools. Leave Stevenson alone because they don't look for the good of the whole but rather their own personal agendas. Let's work for those schools that are in dire need and teachers who may lose their jobs. Mr. Pettit may not be to your liking but he is the Superintendent! He can be evaluated on his job performance when the time comes and whatever happens will be addressed at the right time of contract renewal. But for the moment let him do his job and take care of business. "

    parent of Faras student wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:36 PM:

    " Are any of you thinking about the students? Change is hard to accept and we need change! I would like my child to stay @ Faras one more yr. One more year to mature and not expose him to any more than he needs. And congrats to the Mr. Petit. Thank you Ms. Kramer and Mr. Ramos well done for standing up. Mr. Hoyack too much pressure. And parents think about the kids and not what you have to complain and change route. Change is always needed. "

    COME ON PEOPLE wrote on Apr 17, 2009 5:12 PM:

    " If the entire community would rally as they do on these comment boards for the dispatch--at the board meetings, council meetings, etc., things wouldn't be allowed to be controlled by the "good old buddies" and such. Take it further--meet, talk, and put your words, comments and concerns into actions as a COMMUNITY! Yes, it is all about the kids--they are the future whether they remain in Douglas or not--and we all know that somebody has to remain in Douglas--not everybody leaves. "

    Ray Borane Parent wrote on Apr 17, 2009 8:46 AM:

    " I don't know or have seen what people are talking about when they mention the Ray Borane Principal. I am a concerned parent that regularly checks on my childs teachers and school environment. I have seen nothing but good things taking place. Ray Borane is a different school from past years. Kids seem to be having fun and don't fear going to school like before. I commend the new principal for having high expectation and getting rid of the bad students who stall the learning of our kids as well as, school employees who sit around and not do their jobs. I understand that change maybe hard for some people but in today world change is needed to make improvments. If people don't want to change then they will always be left behind. "

    douglas citizen wrote on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 PM:

    " after all this...... Petit is back, good for him. the board (Mr. Hoyack)should of known better instead of taking things personal he shouldve just allowed issus to work themselves out. instead Hoyack chose to set our district even further behind and not only that but just imagine all the bad pub. the community and school district has got over this. the entire board should be recalled "

    To Wow from NO NO wrote on Apr 16, 2009 7:00 PM:

    " I have checked my facts. The morale of the district is at a new low. He is not a leader, he is a dictator and leads by intimidation. I assume you are one of his "groupies". He destroyed White River before he was forced to resign and now he is here... making people wonder how he got hired in the first place. He is not a "leader" - if you think that you are part of the problem not an answer. I am all for closing RBMS, re-aligning the schools.. not against change but also not going to stand by and be lied to by the "leader". "

    Concerned Parent wrote on Apr 16, 2009 5:34 PM:

    " Personally, I am not happy that Pettit is back. I have had an extremly unsatisfactory experience with this man. And NO, my children do not attend Stevenson, but Faras and Huber. I feel that maybe some of Pettit's ideas are good, but he should approach the parents in a different manner. He can be very rude. God forbid something bad happens to his daughter like it happened to mine who is only in Kinder, and he not do anything about it AT ALL. My daughter is in a class of 31 students at Faras right now. How do you think of adding 6th grade to the school. I do understand there is need for some change but they need to be thought through very carefully. I encourage everyone reading this to google "Earl Pettit" and you will see what this man is really like. I have found alot of information about this man that would leave alot of you with your mouth wide open. AND I have personally heard many comments of people that work directly with him that have felt he has mistreated them in someway. Just look up the information and you'll see. "

    Concerned wrote on Apr 16, 2009 4:08 PM:

    " Boardmembers are bunch of QUACKS!!!!!!! "

    Heads Up Parents of DUSD wrote on Apr 16, 2009 2:49 PM:

    " Wake up Parents! Look into his background. Where did he work before? Why is he in Douglas? Why did he leave his other job as a Superintendent? Coming wake up and start researching before your whole district falls apart. "

    TO FYI wrote on Apr 16, 2009 2:21 PM:

    " It was Simmons recommendation because he was in direct contact with the investigator who found nothing wrong. Besides that why would he put himself in a lose lose situation and have his hands dirtied only because of what Pettit and Good have created. This district is a liability waiting to happen. Parents make sure all administrators are following policy, especially those that are at the DO.

    I am sure RBMS principal is glad Pettit is back so he can now once again be protected by the "weasel". "

    OMG what a joke wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:47 PM:

    " Pettit back and it was Mr.Simmons idea how funny I laughed so hard. Oh sorry no offense. So Mr. Pettit where does the school stand it has been months of all talk and no action. Leasve Faras as is up to 6th grade, and combine the Jr. highs and thats that! Shut down Ray Boarne get rid of there secretary she does them no good all she does is bad mouth the principal but yet his best freind, thats so typical of her. Think of the children we have little time left. Do something soooooooon. Remember you ca't hold everyones hand people in Douglas can't stand change, but change is what is needed do something right for the children and get over the powertrip all the school board and school staff have. "

    SORRY wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:10 PM:

    " What is this a joke?? oh well lets move on. What is going to happen to the schools next year? is the two Jr. highs going to combine? I think thats a good idea. Some parents don't feel its wise but why? Do you feel your child is any better than anyone elses family? People in Douglas need to grow up and start thinking of the future Yea the FUTURE these children are the future. Don't forget its the parents responibility to take care and raise their children with responsibilities and respect I know there are a few parents out there who don't care,but the child isn't to blame. Lets move on make change, change is goood, and it's what YOU make of it. Combine the 2 Jr. highs and all elementry shoiuld go up to 6th grade. LETS THINK OF OUR CHILDREN, and stop the ignorance. "

    WhatElseIsNew wrote on Apr 16, 2009 1:02 PM:

    " TYPICAL DOUGLAS POLITICS! GOOD OLD BUDDY SYSTEM AT WORK! NEED TO SPEND ON TEACHERS', TEACHER ASSISTANCE, AND SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM IF YOU EXPECT PEOPLE TO STAY IN DOUGLAS! GLAD I MOVED! IN ORDER TO SUCCEED IN DOUGLAS, YOU MUST BE PART OF THE "IN" CROWD. GOOD LUCK IF YOU'RE NOT! COME ON RAZA, 85% IS HISPANIC, 10% WHITE, 5% AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND WHO'S RUNNING DOUGLAS! RAZA IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP, UNITE, AND DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY! "

    Certified wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:42 PM:

    " As a certified employee I am glad to see that Mr. Pettit is back to work. Our district really needs his leadership right now. Mr. Pettit was hired to run our school district. There are laws and procedures that go along with this job. He was not brought in here to be our buddy. He has great ideas and has our students' needs at heart. An investigation needs to be forth concerning the actions of our school board. I think that the code of conduct for schoolboard members should be revised to see if there has been any violations. "

    wow No No wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:16 PM:

    " To No No;
    How has Petit "Singlehandedly ruined the disctrict"? He was not able to put the changes he wanted through..so it is the same as it has been. He was trying to fix a sinking ship. Check your facts. He was hired to make some drastic changes before it was too late, and Douglas residents refused to have their "status quo" altered, even though it was failing. People here are so afraid of change that they will jeapordize the children of the community! "

    Just me wrote on Apr 15, 2009 8:53 PM:

    " Is it just me or does it seem fishy that 2 board members voted against Pettit going back to work after he was found to have broken no laws? I thought that was the reason for reassignment in the first place - so they could investigate. With the investigation result of no laws broken by Pettit, might there be other motivation behind all this? Did they say that Ortiz broke no laws too? I don't think they said that. I will be watching for those results too. "

    No No wrote on Apr 15, 2009 7:12 PM:

    " What is the board thinking? They allow a man back who has single handedly ruined the district. He needs to go. I am sure his clique is happy he is back but they, along with him has put this district in a place where we are the laughing stock of AZ. Thanks for thinking of the kids school board. "

    fyi wrote on Apr 15, 2009 6:09 PM:

    " it was simmons' recommendation that pettit return because simmons did not want to be the interim associate administrator anymore-that is the real reason pettit is back and it is not a secret! dr. simmons, you have disappointed many by wanting out. maybe you should have turned down the position when it was offered to you; you have confirmed what your critics said about you - that you were too nice & that you were weak, that you would not be able to handle the job. or....did pettit's people get to you? "

    Flabbergasted wrote on Apr 15, 2009 4:24 PM:

    " What? The Hoyacks lost control? "

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