TANNER: Say what?!?

(originally run 11/5/09)

D-11 chief declares allegations against board member are unfounded


November 05, 2009 12:11 PM
SUE McMILLIN
THE GAZETTE

A Colorado Springs School District 11 board member has not violated any law or committed any unethical acts in connection to contracts between the district and her husband’s pizza business, the superintendent’s office said today in a news release.

The alleged conflict of interest involving Jan Tanner was the subject of a secret board meeting Wednesday.

This morning, the district issued a news release saying the issue had been reviewed by the district’s legal counsel and an independent lawyer. Both reviews “confirm that there has been no violation of the letter or the spirit of the law,” the release said.

“The superintendent concludes that this matter has received due consideration, that the charges are unfounded, and that Mrs. Tanner has not committed any wrongful or unethical act,” the release said.

I feel better

(Originally published April 11, 2011)




NO HOME-MADE SACK LUNCHES ALLOWED

This goes out to anyone and everyone who wonders why I still have a "beef" with Jan Tanner and her shady million dollar pizza contract with School District 11.  

Chi-town is Jan-Land...and I just hate to think that this sort of nonsense might soon be coming Colorado's way.


Think about it though, folks:  Jan's contract is a clear, in-your-face, Hey-I'm-Making-Money-Off-Of-You-Constituents conflict of interest, no matter how you slice it.  


But she's so ruthless and rich that she just waves a wad of money at the situation, and magically manages to shake off the stigma that usually goes along with such monkeyshines.


She's had nearly two years to wave some of her money at me; oh well, I guess she doesn't think I deserve it (although I do)...even though it would allow her to walk the Restorative Justice walk, and not simply pay lip-service to the Restorative Justice talk...


Where's my peace rose -- maybe there's still a chance we can circle-talk this sh!t and get things worked out....

*sigh*


When, exactly, did the Native American way to dispute-solving come into vogue anyway?  What ever happened to smoking the peace pipe together?


This is how I always thought they handled business in the World Class Windy City...but I guess it's all good, just as long as Transgendered people are treated with the respect they're due:

Anyway...I'm digressing.


All I know is that, if I was rich, I would have paid just about ANY AMOUNT to make an annoying field negro like me stop going on about the pizza already; but what do I know -- I'M NOT RICH.


Every now and then, I think about former City Councilman Charles Wingate, and how he got run right out of town over $25 worth of pizza and a baseless allegation that he looked at porn on his city-owned computer.


But -- as a middle-class conservative black man -- Wingate got just what he deserved, didn't he?  


*shrug*


Eh...at least they let Wingate leave town alive.


And yet the Vice President of District 11's School Board -- the insanely-rich leftist capitalist Jan "Hooray for Gay" Tanner -- is still sitting up there, pretending to care and claiming to be "all about the kids" and "all for teachers"...


...making determinations with tax-payer money, and at the same time, aiding and abetting the teacher's union year after year to ensure teacher salaries remain frozen AS IS, while those in Administration keep getting raises...


...with tax-payer monies rolling effortlessly and unchecked into her purse.


No doubt she laughs about it -- and us -- all the way to the Dominos Socialist Savings and Loan.  And what's not to laugh about?  It's actually HELLA funny when you look at things from Jan's perspective.


Folks, it's unmitigated CRAP that Tanner's shysty pizza contract earns her about the same amount annually as D11's superintendent -- $160,000 (of course, that's Gledich's pre-bonus take home pay).  


That's just SOME of the wasted big money that could be better spent towards giving teachers a raise for a change -- what a novel concept.


But no one wants to talk about it; not even the teachers whose pay have been frozen for how long now??  WON'T EVEN SPEAK UP FOR THEMSELVES...WHY?  Why are you letting other people do all your talking for you, in the dark!!!????  WHY DON'T THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE WORKING AS YOUR MOUTHPIECE NEGOTIATE Y'ALL A RAISE FOR A CHANGE...HUH?  


Nor the students, nor the parents, nor the citizens of Colorado Springs, and certainly not District 11 Administration -- 


EVERYONE'S TOO BLASTED PASSIVE AND COMPLACENT...TOO WORRIED ABOUT THEMSELVES TO BOTHER OPENING THEIR MOUTHS TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD...UNABLE TO EVEN RECOGNIZE WHO ARE THE HEROES AND WHO ARE THE VILLAINS!!!


I mean, your lips aren't busy doing anything else; what better to occupy all those idle, gaping mouths than to inhale some of Jan's all-you-can-eat pizza?   


Who knows...perhaps one day we'll be able to dine on Jan's nutritious lunchroom pizza Chicago Foie Gras style.  

Yummmm.  That's the ticket.


*whew* thanks, all -- I feel better.

Q & A

I asked some questions during a recent meeting at Hunt, but not all of these questions; that's alright, I appreciate this response from the office of superintendent Nick Gledich... 

By the way:  I filmed a whole lot of the movement of equipment into the Adams building; we're talking several crews of movers, and three or four of the large, tractor-trailer-sized moving vans - and this was over the course of several days and weeks.  I'll post some of that video soon, to help you conceptualize what I'm talking about...

In conclusion - unless they are emptying the building at night or via underground tunnels, I've not noticed any similar type of activity to move equipment out of Adams.  So, my hunch is the building is not empty yet - not by a long shot...

-----------------------

For Public Response

1.  The transformer was making a loud humming sound yesterday and utility trucks were at the school.  What was wrong? We were not notified of any issues. There are City electrical transformers that are located next to each building that provide electrical service to each building. It is not uncommon for them to make humming noises. The City crews could have been working on them without notifying us as these transformers belong to them.

2.  Did we or will we ever allow the Public to purchase extra furniture/equipment stored at Adams?  The disposal plan for excess furniture that was developed between Procurement and the Warehouse, and approved by Glenn, was to offer the furniture to D-11 schools, then Charter schools, then other local districts, then other governmental agencies and finally, non-profits.  Most everything is gone, but there are some tables and chairs left.  We have, in the past, used an auction service, but the value of the remaining items wouldn’t justify the expense.

3.  Are we (District 11) selling pianos?  The radio ran an announcement.  I believe that Tom Fleecs, the D-11 Fine Arts Facilitator, sells some pianos occasionally to help fund the repair of others.  I called to confirm, but couldn’t reach him.  Tom told me that we did use the Adam’s pianos for a trade with service district wide.

4.  Why are the Dumpsters still at the school?  Do we throw away furniture, etc. in the dumpsters? I assume you’re asking about Adams ES. We currently have a metal recycling dumpster and a trash dumpster at Adams ES as we are going thru the last bit of furniture that was not claimed. This furniture that is not useable is disassembled, with metal components getting recycled and the wood or particle board components are disposed of as trash. We do get some money for the recycled metal items (based on weight).

5.  What is housed at Adams at this time? A little bit of furniture that was not claimed by the list of invited agencies listed above, some audio visual equipment to include old TVs, and some copiers.  Dan Boltjes in IT is working on disposition of the A/V equipment, and Murray Basinger in Procurement is working on disposition of the copiers.

6.  Is there an issue with the exterior water facuet? Not that we are aware of. There is an exterior drinking fountain at the school, but it is “winterized” (or turned off) so it would not be working at this time. We typically turn these back on in late April or early May. This could be what the question was referring to.

7.  Does the district have a plan to address the facility needs at Hunt specifically the size of the lunchroom and the heat? The plan to address the size of the lunchroom (gym) and to replace the steam boilers involves a major capital project which I briefed you on before Christmas.  We do have an architectural concept that we have developed.  We would need approximately $5 million, and the project would be very difficult to safely do while the school is being used (project duration would be 8-10 months).  These improvements are in our Capital Plan for future funding, but without a specific funding source identified. 

8.  Is it true that our maintenance workers installed a thermostat backwards which created the condition of no heat last week at Hunt? No, our maintenance staff did *not* install a thermostat backwards. There was an electrical disconnect that provides power to a circulating pump for boiler #1 that was manually turned off. Not sure who or why this occurred. Without water circulating thru the piping, there will not be any heat throughout the building. There were also some unit ventilators that were manually turned off and one that the freezestat was tripped. When either of the two above mentioned items with the unit ventilators occurs, the heating valve goes full open so water circulates thru the coil but the fan motor will not operate to distribute heat across the room.

Ring out, ring in

Some words on tonight's big Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Educators meeting to say goodbye to John Gudvangen and Tami Hasling, and hello to LuAnn Long and Al Loma.

The manner in which the Directors spoke of the outgoing Gudvangen and Hasling was professional and dignified; well done, and thank you for your good manners.

Although I roasted him in an earlier post, I do have to say that former Director John Gudvangen did often ask very good questions, was always gracious, and his self-deprecating comments tonight helped me to see his kinder, gentler side - I thank you for that, as well as for your hard work and sacrifice; the very best to you in the future.

Former President Hasling cautioned the audience that her speech was "a book" - and she wasn't lying.  I've no doubt her words were sincere and heartfelt...and it was helpful for me to learn more about her.  But in my mind, her public digs at Directors Charlie Bobbitt, Bob Null and Al Loma were the height of unprofessionalism.  What a slap in the face - especially after Null had just commended her habit of always speaking well of her fellow Board members.  Singling out Directors for a public dressing down on her way out the door was in Very Poor Form, and served to reinforce my original impression of her.

The tenderness she expressed for her husband and children was her saving grace, however.  I can only imagine that her stint as President was often fraught with inner pain and turmoil, and required a great deal of time, dedication and self-sacrifice - for that, Mrs. Hasling, I thank you.

As far as the election of the Board officers - surprise, surprise.  My friend and I had accurately predicted Tom Strand as President and Jan Tanner as Vice President weeks ago.  LuAnn Long was elected Secretary, and Bob Null, Treasurer.

It's already apparent that Tom was the right choice for President.  And thank goodness Bob got the Treasurer position - a match made in heaven with trusty Assistant Treasurer Glenn Gustafson by his side.

As far as Tanner goes:  if she had properly disclosed her decade-long pizza arrangement with the District, we might all be discussing President Tanner tonight - but she didn't, and so we aren't.  She really wasn't dressed for the occasion anyway, as it appeared she had splashed an entire pizza pie on her blouse.  But by now, Tanner is already aware that...it ain't easy being cheesy.

In closing, my prayer for the Board:

Though forecasts bode ominous,

take no blind heed -- hold fast to fact.

As those around you shift and sway,

waver not, and reckon steady.

Be not mesmerized by legions of numbers,

and see through the veils of artifice.

When the mouths of duplicity whisper into each ear,

may the clear voice of truth be your sole discernment.

With discord to the left of you and deceit to the right,

reason well, and know who you are.

May the smoke of avarice never blind you

may the binding ropes of lies never tie you

It's good to be king

Hello dear readers. So much has happened in the past week that I thought I’d take a lesson from Board of Educators Director John Gudvangen and pause – slowly, deliberately, and meaningfully – to ready you for all the profundities about to spill forth.

Wednesday’s Special Meeting/Work Session began with the D#11 Board of Educators going executive session to discuss conflict of interest issues with their lawyers, Holmes, Roberts and Owens, along with an independent counsel. The Gazette’s Sue McMillin stood up and correctly protested in point of order, but she was shut down by President Tami Hasling’s explanation that there was no provision for "citizen comments" during “special meetings.” Emerging after an hour of what I can only imagine was animated chatter amongst themselves, the team moved on with a lengthy PowerPoint presentation on the “23 Points" – action items that were identified in the wake of their decision to close eight public schools.  Glenn Gustafson had the finale with his how-closing-eight-schools-saved-us-$3-million-dollars pep talk.

The following day, the superintendent issued a press release stating that, with regard to Director Jan Tanner, no violations had been found – legal, ethical, or otherwise.

Hmph. So, that’s their story, ‘n they’re stickin’ to it. Good for them.

No, I mean, it really is good for them; indeed, as Mel Brooks pointed out again and again in “History of the World, Part I”…

“It’s good to be the king.”

Regarding the executive session: The ruling class circled their wagons protectively around the broken-winged Mrs. Tanner - though I suspect less out of loyalty and more out of self-preservation. But if at any time Tanner’s ethics cooties had threatened to spread amongst her associates, no doubt they’d all play dumb and start calling her “Jan who?” Heck, Peter did it to Jesus – three times!

When it comes down to a me-or-you type of situation, yesterday’s ally can shift into today’s adversary with the blink of an eye; and considering all of the shrugging and lash-batting that goes on, I suppose we should all simply accept such shiftiness as par for the course.

I’m curious to know who the independent counsel was, though – probably an attorney from the law firm of Gustafson, Gustafson and Guy.

Turning to the “23 Points”: In many ways, it reminded me of an old-school pep rally. I nodded off at one point, and at others found myself laughing at the bemusing spectacle of whoopee and camaraderie and premature back-patting.

Each one of those 23 points received about three minutes of time, and was absolutely reminiscent of the Capital Improvements updates we citizens would occasionally receive. “Improvements to Adams – done. Improvements to Bristol – done. Improvements to Buena Vista – 75% done. “ And so on.

But if there’s one thing I have noticed beyond anything and everything else is that Gustafson will change the numbers to fit his needs. “Oh, did I say six? I meant to say seven.” And folks – there’s a whole lotta numbers. He knows no one is really able to keep track – and that’s the bottom line. As former superintendent Terry Bishop once told a very good friend of mine…”We can make the numbers say whatever we want.” I will revisit the $3 million Gustafson has “saved” through school closures in an upcoming post.

In summary: Hope diminished with Gledich’s press release (although, who can blame him – this rot predates him, and he’s just doing his job); hope rekindled with Sue McMillin’s stand (who’s also limited in many ways by her bosses, I imagine); expectations met by Tanner and clan…and resentment kept at a steady simmer by Gustafson and his magic money minstrel show.

Regardless of press releases and “who, me?” protestations, all that’s been demonstrated is the District’s willingness to meet behind closed doors, go on the defensive, make up special rules for themselves, create distractions, and shine on the public.

Business as usual for the monarchy, it seems.

When reporters for the newsweekly Colorado Springs Independent were traipsing through City Councilman Tom Gallagher’s messy yard and taking pictures of dirty diapers in his trash, his fellow Councilman Jerry Heimlicher said elected officials should expect their mistakes to be exposed by the press:

“I think we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard…

we have to be conscious (that) anything and everything we do is subject to public scrutiny.”

When you run for public office, you become a celebrity in a way; you are in the public’s eye. And spiders sometimes have eight eyes – a pair for each pair of legs, I presume - how spooky is that?? Indeed, Proverbs 30:25 states that while a spider is little upon the earth, she is exceedingly wise. And while it probably is good to be the king,

“the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king’s palaces.”

This is a fact: when they closed the school across the street from my house, District #11 became my own personal hobby; and until the school across the street from my house re-opens as a school, District #11 will remain my hobby. And I love to share my hobbies with others.

I stand 100% behind my allegations. I’m not muckraking; everything is based upon public record.  As time permits, I’ll go back to my previous postings and upload the actual documents upon which they are based...so you can see for yourselves.

I strive to be a blend of Will Rogers, C.S. Lewis, Langston Hughes and Erma Bombeck.  And though I’ll sometimes share my musings on personal matters, and write about other issues that affect the citizens of Colorado Springs, I will continue to shine my brightest spotlight on District #11 – the people who taught me how to hold my pencil.

I hope the Board has been adequately cautioned that a very spirited and loquacious spider is watching them – closely.

The law of kindness

She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Last night after the Board meeting, I found a quiet moment to sit back and reflect and listen for the voice of God - a foreign concept for so many...but comforting and familiar for me.

“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

So, I find myself guided this time to say something nice, and nothing not-so-nice, in order to provide balance to some of the biting criticisms I’ve offered up thus far. I know more about some than others…so if it sounds superficial, it’s not meant to be.

(in alphabetical order by last name)

Charlie Bobbitt – when the schools were being closed, he took it upon himself to actually walk the proposed routes, putting himself in the shoes of the kids – and I thought that was totally awesome; unafraid to be a party of one.

Nick Gledich - such a steady and impressive leader; so approachable by and gracious to the everyday man - the Board worked well together in selecting him, and the District is fortunate to have him.

John Gudvangen – mellifluous: his manner of speaking is so smooth and soothing, I’m sure I could have a cavity filled without need of anesthetic if he were talking to me while it was happening.

Glenn Gustafson – wizard of numbers, architect of words, confident public speaker, seemingly flame-resistant and bullet-proof – I’ve often wondered what his D#11 teachers and classmates thought of him.

Tami Hasling – I love to swim: she swims, and coaches swimming. I bet she’s a great coach, and she makes being blonde look like a lot of fun.

Sandra Mann – I grew up watching her report the news, and she lives on the same street where I was raised. Strikes me as open-minded, curious, candid and genuine.

Bob Null – Old-school, old fashioned, disciplined, conservative, courageous, congenial, straightforward and sincere; in some ways, he reminds me of the late, great Bob Isaac.

Mike Poore – such an energetic, convincing and well-dressed speaker; makes a good first and lasting impression.

Tom Strand - growing up, I always wanted to be an attorney (though I’m glad I’m not one now)…so he gets what-I-wanted-to-be-when-I-grew-up points; understands the complicated written word, and has a perfect voice for radio.

Jan Tanner – when I think about the homespun manner in which she speaks, she reminds me of Sarah Palin. Youthful…and I admire that she’s raced to the top of Pikes Peak many times.

Mary Thurman – driven, determined, prepared and brainy - she knows her stuff.

School District #11 - To wax numerological, it is half of my lucky number 22; my direct family members have attended 5 of its elementary schools, 2 of its middle schools, and one of its high schools – 8, like the legs of a spider. The place where Mrs. Sutton granted me my poetic license; the place where I first made friends and enemies and fell in love. To me, it is synonymous with “Colorado Springs,” and I am easily brought to tears simply by looking at old photos of its schools. I am more than an acquaintance, more than just a friend – it is a part of me, and I of it. I am its grateful offspring, and will always love and revere it with a child’s wonder.