Letters: More information needed to make smart decisions

It’s undeniable that the Morgan Hill Unified School District is
in a financial crisis. Programs, employees and children will be
affected. How can we be assured, however, that the most appropriate
decisions are being made at the same time our leaders are trying to
maintain quality education?
More information needed to make smart decisions

Dear Editor,

It’s undeniable that the Morgan Hill Unified School District is in a financial crisis. Programs, employees and children will be affected. How can we be assured, however, that the most appropriate decisions are being made at the same time our leaders are trying to maintain quality education?

What should our community know?

1. How does Dr. Nishino’s salary compare to all superintendents in the county? A superintendent should be better paid than a teacher. After all, a superintendent is the visionary of a district, one who effectively supports teachers’ innovative programs which will lead to pupils’ new academic heights.

2. Even though his annual salary may be appropriate compared to other school districts, will Dr. Nishino be foregoing his 3 percent raise this year, out of respect for all the MHUSD employees-certificated and classified – who are expected to make sacrifices in order to protect our children’s educations?

3. Where do MHUSD’s certificated salaries fall in comparison to other districts in this county? Several years ago, our local teacher salaries were in the bottom four for the entire county. Though I strongly believe our teachers are sadly underpaid professionals, I am not suggesting at this time of crisis that we increase salaries. However, if we don’t even know how we compare to other districts, how can we be confident about the budget decisions?

4. Is the difference between Dr. Nishino’s salary and an average MHUSD teacher salary on par with other districts?

5. How does the percentage of budget cuts at our campuses compare to the percentage of budget cuts at the district office?

6. Will Dr. Nishino reduce the number of assistant superintendents back to the number in place prior to him being hired?

7. In the past five years, how many experienced educators (10-plus years of classroom experience) have we lost? Our more seasoned educators should not have to go elsewhere for better pay. We, too, are part of the vibrant, innovative Silicon Valley, and we need to make sure we continue to draw – and retain – talented teachers. This is information that the district’s leadership – the administration and the teacher’s union – can easily present to the public.

Parents, please go to the school board meetings and ask these questions until you get answers. It may not only help our district get through this crisis, but it may also allow our schools to recover more quickly and focus, again, on educating our children in the best possible way.

Cynthia Miller, Morgan Hill

What a difference three blocks makes

Dear Editor,

Great Idea! The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce is moving the Friday Night Music Series from Second Street to just off Fifth Street. It will now take place in the amphitheater behind the Community and Cultural Center. This is a great move for everyone.

1. No more port-a-potties, real restrooms with running water even!

2. A real stage with real seating

3. Larger capacity, more comfort

4. Fewer time restraints, an extra encore never hurts

5. More room for dancing for those so inclined

6. Plenty of parking

7. Easy walking to restaurants

8. More restaurant parking for non-music lovers

What took the chamber so long? Standing in the street is cool, but with increased attendance and traffic … an accident is just waiting to happen. Add to this the future construction being planned downtown and I am glad Morgan Hill is planning ahead for a change. Way to go!

Dave Howser, Morgan Hill

The Friday Night Music Series should remain at Second and Monterey

Dear Editor,

I was excited when I heard last week that dancing Friday nights in Morgan Hill would remain at Second Street & Monterey Road. Then, I learned this past Saturday the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce decided to move it to the Community and Cultural Center.

Why? There are many reasons why this Morgan Hill 16-year tradition should remain downtown.

1. The event will lose the intimate, small-town feel watching children play together and “kids” of all ages dancing!

2. Music can be heard from the sidewalk diners relaxing at the restaurants along Monterey and the side streets.

3. There will be less “drop-ins” from those meandering downtown after having dinner or coffee.

4. There is absolutely no refreshments available anywhere near the Community Center.

5. Less spontaneity. I guarantee less will participate having to walk from the grassy area to the stage.

6. The entertainers will feel “removed” from the crowd.

7. The usual crowd of hundreds will appear to be much less, being spread out over a grand area.

8. Last, but certainly extremely important, downtown merchants,having a difficult time in this economy, will suffer financially. This, by the way, will impact the sale tax these businesses would pay to the city. Long term effect: Businesses will close resulting in a “small-town, ghost-town.” Have you seen prosperous Los Gatos and the empty buildings on N. Santa Cruz Avenue lately?

Please, chamber staff, consider this change of venue. It’s not just Morgan Hill neighbors that feel this way, but also the outlying communities.

Susan Mister, Morgan Hill