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Parents Uniting for Nelson – Part 3

Scrolling through five or six pages of comments to get to the most recent ones on the issue of Mr. Nelson's transfer is tedious, so those who are interested in the history of this BHS issue can find the original post here and Part 2 here.  I have captured the essence of the current state from the comment stream in Part 2.  This will save us all a lot of scrolling and continue to give Mr. Nelson a venue to share important information.  As I read it the situation is

Oct. 7, 2017:

The United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is currently conducting its third (3rd) investigation of the SMUHSD surrounding the actions taken in retaliation against me.

The SMUHSD is refusing to produce ANY Public Record Requests surrounding this case.  BHS Principal Di Yim, SMUHSD Director of Special Education/504 Director Gloria Dirkmaat were "retired" over these issues.

The members of the SMUHSD Board promised an investigation of the issues at BHS. They never fulfilled this promise.  This "cover up"is getting expensive. The price tag was already over $100,000 in legal and investigation fees before this current investigation.

And from Jan. 8, 2017: 

The SMUHSD hired a Special Investigator, Chris Reynolds to interview teachers regarding issues at Burlingame High School.  Mr. Reynolds was paid over $10,000 for his services.

Despite the fact that the SMUHSD Administration explained to these teachers that the interviews were private and confidential, the BHS teachers collaborated with one another and coordinated stories to deflect guilt for their actions.

And from May 22, 2017:

The Burlingame English Department sits at the center of this fiasco as it became a "gossip pit," targeted students, and backstabbing those who spoke out against them. There are teachers who know nothing… but those who listened and did nothing are just as guilty. 

Lastly, the assertion was made that upon another teacher's retirement, Mr. Nelson qualifies for a return to BHS.  That is the central issue in my mind.  I manage a lot of people in my day job and I find value in having a few that are not afraid to speak up and point out problems.  One wonders if SMUSHD and the BHS administration feel the same?

 

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105 responses to “Parents Uniting for Nelson – Part 3”

  1. hollyroller

    God Bless.

  2. Read Joe’s comments… he is right on target-The Board Failed its promise. Its time to cut out the cancer

    I am now quoting Joe… an honorable and decent man in searching for the integrity of the SMUHSD…
    “Lastly, the assertion was made that upon another teacher’s retirement, Mr. Nelson qualifies for a return to BHS. That is the central issue in my mind. I manage a lot of people in my day job and I find value in having a few that are not afraid to speak up and point out problems. One wonders if SMUSHD and the BHS administration feel the same?”
    I have filed my request to transfer and it has been denied…..
    According to the SMUHSD Collective Bargaining Agreement, the district need to produce (with evidence) COMPELLING evident the reasons why I cannot be transferred back…. they have not defined nor can they produce reasons or evidence. Nothing exists… This is cover up. The negligence of these leaders is excessive.
    This is the end of the charade. There are no more cards to play. Burlingame High School has been destroyed at the hands of Di Yim and the subversive efforts of the petty teachers who more resemble middle school students than adults.
    “The Burlingame English Department sits at the center of this fiasco as it became a “gossip pit,” targeted students, and backstabbing those who spoke out against them. There are teachers who know nothing… but those who listened and did nothing are just as guilty. ”
    The BHS English Department including its nationally acclaimed author is dead in the water. They have listened, colluded and participated in collusion of a lie. There is no turning back.. you missed your chance at redemption. You bought the lies of your peers, but its “Murphy’s Law…. whatever can go wrong… will go wrong.”
    Joe nailed it….who is the SMUHSD Administrator who is responsible for this cover up and the destruction of BHS? A single SMUHSD Administrator has their fingerprints all over every part of this issue and the cover up. This is now over a $200,000 issue. The members of the Board know what is wrong, but failed to act. It may cost them their seats in the future as I can assure you… it will be challenged, in public at the next election. The questions, backed by evidence, will not be easy to deflect.
    Dr. Skelly will offer his defense, “I was not in the district at the time…” this excuse will only last for so long. There were 2500 members of the community that came out against Nelson’s transfer…. those are voters, not employees.
    Burlingame High School is a shadow of what it was five or ten, or twenty years ago. The SMUHSD Board has demonstrated their negligence in supporting the health and welfare of BHS. If the Board wants to support BHS, its needs to support the Administration in rebuilding the staff. They need to cut out he cancer that they know has infected the school.
    The next time you pay your $20K or $30K property tax bill, think about how the SMUHSD Leadership and Board screwed you for their own ego’s. The BHS campus does not operate for the joy of the teachers… it operates for the benefits of the students and parents of the community.
    There are too many bread crumbs on this trail to ignore…. even for a Board member who wants to be re-elected.

  3. Laura

    Unfortunately, I fear they will get re-elected as the average voter is uninformed and vote what their parties card that comes in the mail, tells them to vote for. I thought the same when everyone was up in arms after losing all the school fields for soccer,, softball and lacrosse. The School district locked them all up and the citizens complained but then voted them all back in!

  4. Read Joe’s comments… he is right on target-The Board Failed its promise. Its time to cut out the cancer

    A problem is that there is no new blood to run. Other school districts limit the seats on the board by city. Right now there are three Burlingame, one San Mateo and one Foster City. If Burlingame was only allowed one seat on the Board, it would force individuals to be more responsive to the public.
    Hanley, Griffen, and Lees Dwyer are all up for re-election in 2018.
    Lees Dwyer came on to the Board from BSD when the SMUHSD hit the $85 million financial fraud. Greg Land knows school culture, leadership, curriculum and policy. He will be a Superintendent himself soon (maybe here)
    The Board is just the “ears” of the district. Its the district administration that executes the day to day operations. While the SMUHSD pays very well…. it continually fails to develop and hire leaders from within its ranks
    Skelly has silently “ousted” district office leaders from the previous regime and may finish the house cleaning soon. In the BHS case, key information and background was withheld from Skelly by his subordinates and he dug himself into the issue without having full knowledge of what transpired. The Board is informed and now they may be put to a test to act or be held responsible.
    Consider the Source a few posts up is with the group who would like to keep the key information silent as it could cost them their job and their teaching credentials. The California State Board of Education is already sniffing around this issue (as it has raised concerns of “how did this happen?”) and can penalize and revoke teaching credentials of individual teachers and former principals.
    BHS got very lucky with Paul Belzer as principal You may remember that the SMUHSD interviewed and could not get anyone to take the job. Belzer was moved to BHS by Skelly as he was the only leader with the experience to handle the issues and the “crowd of teachers” at BHS. One candidate stated, “I read up on that crazy lady who was principal and I wanted nothing to do with that school. Who let that happen… who let a complete nut job ruin such a great school.?” The candidate took an administrative job at another school site instead.
    The issues at BHS will not be solved by throwing a light switch… or transferring the wrong people. The Board, the district Administration, and many in the community know where the cancer is…. and it will eventually be outed.

  5. Morale and divisiveness on the BHS campus are far worse than in the past

    Dear Consider the Source…
    In a post above you made the following observation….
    “The atmosphere at BHS is anything but “toxic” since that teacher was transferred to another school, and has since become, once again, a community of teachers who work together well and work hard to meet the needs of every student.”
    You are full of shit.
    A few BHS insiders (who are not in the English Department) report that the morale and divisiveness on the BHS campus are far worse than in the past.
    The student comments about the negative atmosphere on campus… and childish behaviors of the teachers reflects a similar attitude.
    It is very interesting that the same individual teachers are always “sucking up” to a new administration to ensure their own “success” at the cost of the students.
    There are “some” individuals working to get BHS back to “its” former self… but don’t include those who engage in
    The failure to remove the cancer has allowed it to spread… and present bullshit excuses regarding the health of the body.

  6. hollyroller

    Dear M&D,
    I like the way you express your POV.
    However this debacle winds up, it will be the Biggest Train Wreck ever shared with the BV.
    The only/truly solutions at this time are:
    -Public Execution
    -The Stocks
    -Poor Credit Rating
    -No Private School for your children; no admittance to any school “related” to The City of Burlingame
    I/we are all looking forward to a Public Shaming who ever it is.

  7. Pissedoffmom

    I thought this was as good a place as any to post this. Why is the BHS student newspaper allowed to print an article about drug use ON the campus?
    I’m all for freedom of speech but this is a high school newspaper that is doing the advertisement work for the drug dealer.
    “According to the aforementioned student seller, people that buy Adderall from him are typically “either stressed out with exams or [people] who need to pass a class to play sports. All types of people buy, even gamers who want to play better.”
    Is the student reporter required to “give up” the on campus dealers since student reporters don’t have the ability to “protect a source” These are public tax dollars at work
    Who allowed this to get published and have the BPD interviewed this reporter or the Newspaper advisor? At least make the dealer pay for an advertisement.
    https://theburlingameb.org/feature/2017/11/26/adderall-dealing-on-campus-reflects-increasing-academic-pressures

  8. Laura

    Wow, passed off mom, wow, is all I can say. This article is jaw dropping and the fact that it was published, shocking. It is written like it is glorifying this drug as a way to do well in school and to be published means it is rampant! I’ve been told by a student that using a vap pipe in the bathrooms between classes, is very common and it is not nicotine that they are using! I hope this article was sent to the police.

  9. Pissedoffmom

    The paper even states “became one of many teen Adderall dealers in the Burlingame community”
    “One student, who asked to remain anonymous, became one of many teen Adderall dealers in the Burlingame community shortly after he was prescribed the medication for Attention Deficit Disorder.
    “I was super happy but I felt I was cheating a bit, so I started giving to people I know who were not doing so well when they had tests,” he said, emphasizing the academic pressure involved in buying the medication from peers. “I don’t turn a profit, I just do it to help the people around me.”
    How is giving a prescription drug to other student helping? Not only is the dealer hurting the kids, the paper writes the story like all of this is OK? WTF? Does any adult read these articles before the publish the paper?
    The teen reporter writes, “One student, who asked to remain anonymous” Does this student somehow think the “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” is some sort of legal standard.
    The student who printed this article has now stated that s/he interviewed a confirmed drug dealer on the BHS campus.
    Who is the adult responsible for monitoring this behavior?

  10. Jennifer

    ‘Hate to say it, but this was going on when my kids were at BHS. This student journalist has just brought it out into the open, but chances are, many on campus already know. More than the police being aware (and they probably already are, but with hands tied), I hope the parents actually read this stuff.
    Which kids DON’T have an ADHD or similar diagnosis by that age, at the latest, that facilitates the prescription of Adderall? It’s pathetic that these have become so commonplace and “normal”. Passing them around doesn’t surprise me, at all. The other kids just didn’t bother to get a diagnosis, but that isn’t difficult to get, at all.
    50 years ago, it was Ritalin, and lots in between. In fact these drugs have been socially acceptable for such a long time that there is a fair chance some of the adults (at one time, or another) have used them. There are probably legitimate needs for certain individuals, but generally being a quick and easy fix, the use has gotten out of hand a long time ago.

  11. BHSDad

    I ran into Mr. Nelson at Lunardi’s.
    He stated that the SMUHSD is blocking his return to BHS and they are making up “facts” to block his return. He told me union was handling the issue.
    WTF- I’ve followed the case and read the posts above.
    Where is the Board?
    Who are these administrators that can’t see straight?
    How long was the guy at the school…?
    This has been one gigantic embarrassment for BHS and an whole lot of of arrogance by the school district.

  12. hollyroller

    Please Joe, Please.
    Stick a Fork in it.

  13. KRN

    Dear hollyroller…. we are almost home…
    In the intro Joe writes…
    “Lastly, the assertion was made that upon another teacher’s retirement, Mr. Nelson qualifies for a return to BHS. That is the central issue in my mind. I manage a lot of people in my day job and I find value in having a few that are not afraid to speak up and point out problems. One wonders if SMUSHD and the BHS administration feel the same?
    The contractual right to return has been blocked by both the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. The issue of my return is now placed in front of the Board. The “independent’ officials who represent the people.
    One of the individuals blocking my return has a complex conflict of interest in taking action against me.
    The SMUHSD has failed/refused to produce a single shred of evidence or SIGNED witness statement against me in support of their allegations or actions. On the contrary, the OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS has its third (3rd) investigation of the SMUHSD and the California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing is investigating the action on one CENTRAL BHS English teacher to revoke her teaching credential for her actions.
    I devoted 26 yeas of my career to building the excellence of programs at BHS.
    The SMUHSD has spend well over $100,0000 covering up the issues at BHS yet never producing any evidence of any wrongdoing. Why the cover up? The evidence showing the negligence of the SMUHSD and BHS teachers is well established, yet the Board refused to take action.
    It may be that the information presented to the Board and Dr. Skelly was “filtered” to protect the negligence of others. None the less, facts are facts.
    The issue is now in front of the Board. The issues are entered as fact. If the Board acts against the facts, you know the fix is in…. I’ll print the facts later… as needed.

  14. KRN

    I failed to mention that I was threatened by SMUHSD Administrators to not disclose the facts. I (and my family) have been a target of the SMUHSD who wanted to silence my Whistleblowing on ADA-505, Special Education, and the individual actions of SMUHSD teachers. The same teachers who took actions against students, then lied/mislead the SMUHSD administrators with lies about their actions. The SMUHSD holds the evidence This is called a cover up. The role of the Board (as an independent neutral agent) is to represent the public, not protect the students, parents, and community.

  15. KRN

    Edit
    “and to protect the students, parents, and community.”

  16. hollyroller

    I am really glad that you are continuing this “Fight.”
    Some people would have “crumbled” by now.
    Your tenacity is a lesson for us all.
    A little off the topic, a “Go Fund Me” page may help you with your defense cost. You may also may realize the support your Community, and fellow educators have for your plight.
    Moral as well as financial.
    Good Luck KRN

  17. KRN

    Hollyroller.. I am taking your advice on a “Go Fund Me” as a serious consideration.
    This is a serious Cover Up and our “Elected Officials” have folded on the issue… despite the FACTS. The Board wanted PEACE at BHS….. They did not mandate the truth. Its all BS… The Board need respect, ethics, and integrity
    The Board is now blocking all legitimate Public Record Requests on this issue. This is a public agency blocking the public from i on its operations…. This is BS. FULL DISCLOSURE!
    KN

  18. KRN

    My “case” will go before the SMUHSD Board on Thursday Night. While the SMUHSD has composed a “laundry list” of allegations (all false) they have refused requests to produce any evidence, names, or statements made against me. The Administration does not believe they are required to produce any evidence.
    On the other hand, the amount of Public Record evidence (emails and investigation statements) outlining the actions, collusion, and retaliation taken against me and BHS students is easily produced.
    As the is Board elected to represent the public trust. It should order the SMUHSD administration to produce evidence to support its allegations and mandate employees to sit for perjury based depositions. (this may happen anyways) In the absence of due process, we are just in a Kangaroo Court.

  19. Mom

    I have a better idea KRN. How about they just vote to reinstate you without putting things off with more Administrivia? (capitalization intended)

  20. KRN

    Because they have already spent over $200k on investigations and legal fees to cover things up. They want to waste more money.
    The current “tactic” is character assassination in order to continue to destroy my personal and professional reputation.
    The real question is what is the penalty (or should be) for teachers who gave false statements during the initial investigations? This has caused the $200k price tag. How about those who sat by and watched? The California Department of Education is already starting their initial investigation to revoke the credentials of some involved. Its pretty stupid when a teacher gives four different and conflicting statements about the same incident. Its even better when law enforcement links the statements together and starts to zero in on the liar…. just because a group of teachers “coordinates their testimonies” does not mean that an outside source cannot find the conflicts and pull them apart..
    Good luck keeping that teaching credential..

  21. KRN

    On Thursday, the SMUHSD Board rejected my contractual right to return to BHS, citing “Compelling Reasons” to block the return.
    When asked to cite the facts supporting these compelling reasons, the Administration sent a list of “allegations” but refused to provide any names, facts, evidence, etc to support its assertions.
    When the SMUHSD Board decided to transfer me from BHS, the Board (and specifically on the record Friedman and Dwyer) cited the contract and my right to return to BHS in the future. This indicated (on the record) that there were NO compelling reasons to block a return.
    The list of allegations was humorous (because they were false) since I have not had contact with anyone at BHS in the past two years. The allegations cited by the administration have been deemed legally protected actions by the SF Office of Civil Rights.
    I have continued to file documents with the administration and Board, outlining the its retaliatory actions and negligence in handling the case. These communications were also sent to the Office of Civil Rights. (These are all independent and legally protected actions)
    The District Administration rejected three separate requests to produce these facts. The SMUHSD Board also rejected to request to produce facts. This is in addition to the District Administration’s failure to produce public record requests that would bring to light the negligence of the administration and members of the BHS staff. Public records that have been produced (emails and witness statements), question the integrity and ethics of the district and site administrators.
    The further production and evaluation of these public records could cost one or more of these individuals their job. When rejecting Public Record requests, the agency is required to
    “set forth facts showing that the public interest in not releasing the documents “clearly outweighs” the interest in disclosure”
    Once again…. the district refuses to provide facts to support its rejection of the request. This is just another misuse of power and authority to keep the facts and truth from the public.
    How can a public entity spending the tax payers money expect anyone to respond to vague and baseless allegations? How is this representing the law and our students?
    The SMUHSD has a small but deep problem at BHS, one that most students and parents will never know unless they are unlucky enough to become the target of this a small group of teachers.
    I have never heard of an Associate Superintendent granting a teacher “Anonymous Status” so that they cannot be identified or properly investigated by legal authorities. This also blocked the initiation of a private investigation and civil suit against the teacher as her identity was “protected” by a district administrator. Public records were later produced which implicated the teacher (s) in the act and made the district administrator’s actions of granting “anonymous status” not only look foolish, but the foundation of a waste of tens of thousands of dollars in legal and investigation expenses.
    The Administration is playing with “House” money and it does not care about the financial or personal to cover up these actions.
    The public disclosure of the documents already produced is enough to “raise eyebrows” and challenge the wisdom of the former administration. The production of the remainder of the requested documents would be enough to shut the door.
    In the Palo Alto School District, the Board issued had the “new” district administration issue letters of reprimand to the site administration for its failure to properly carry out the law. This came AFTER an investigation by a full law firm rather than a private investigator.

  22. hollyroller

    I am very sorry for you.
    Other/All Educators should be paying attention to your “Ground Breaking” battle for fairness…
    It is amazing how difficult it is live an honest and fair life.

  23. Steve Kassel

    Surprising development at BHS. Very popular assistant Principal Terry Lien is out. I spoke with him today at Costco. Terry and I got along very well and the students were all fond of him. He did a great job with band, chorus and drama and he will be greatly missed, but apparently not by one person and that’s the one that matters.
    Terry is now running the Middle College program at CSM.

  24. KRN

    A disclosure of the truth of the matters at BHS would help the Burlingame public to understand what really transpired inside of the school. Why has a small group of teachers (and one failed principal) been able to create so much damage? The SMUHSD Board seems to have forgotten that it represents the students and the community and should not spend its time covering up the negligence of some of its teachers and administrators. The nasty thing about the truth is that it always seems to root out the lies… and then people really look bad… or lose their teaching credentials (in this case).
    When Di Yim finished her destruction of BHS, her story was that she was heading to So Cal…. but somehow that became Henderson Nevada…… In the words of Deep Throat…”follow the money”

  25. Mom

    What is the status as of today, KRN? Do you have any more options?

  26. Jennifer

    How many principals has Burlingame High had over the past 15 years? We left I think just after Matt Biggar had moved on, and I’ve forgotten who replaced him. I wonder the same about SMHS and Aragon, maybe Cap, for example, if anyone happens to know.

  27. KRN

    I always consider the Truth as an option.
    The SMUHSD and the Board would like to keep things behind closed doors. Sunlight may help to solve these issues.
    A Public Records Act disclosure would also bring to light the actions of Principal Di Yim and a handful of others as well as the excessive financial expenditures used to cover up these actions.
    The SMUHSD is currently failing to comply with the rule of law as they block legal requests for these documents.
    How is it that the person, who is the central figure of a Public Records request can actually block the request? (after the request was approved by the SMUHSD’s law firm.)
    Conflict of Interest?
    The Office of Civil Right has an ongoing investigation of the incidents at Burlingame High School and the California Department of Eduction-Division of Teacher Credentialing is opening an investigation of the actions of a few credential holders on the campus. They are not only interested in the actions of the teachers, but the subsequent lies these teachers spread in order to cover up their actions. The State investigations are outside of the grasp of the SMUHSD so it may be difficult for the district to suppress information…. especially since some teachers were dumb enough to sign legal statements with the Superior Court containing “truths” which contradict statements made to the SMUHSD and will lead to their conviction and loss of teaching credential. .
    The BHS recovery will not take place until the cancer is removed. I live in the town and I listen to the students about their frustrations with the campus and its environment.
    In the end….. the truth will prevail, no matter how much an individual seeks to distract, distort, or mislead. Its Murphy’s Law… what can go wrong, will go wrong…. especially when you are trying to lie to cover up your actions.

  28. KRN-Public Records Act- Failure to Comly

    The SMUHSD and its Board are refusing to produce information to the public regarding the employment negligence and financial responsibilities of the public entity. The following was submitted as a public record request. According to the law, the SMUHSD has 10 days to respond and then produce the request.
    Its time to end the cover up…many other Public Record Requests were filed… but ignored.
    Dr. Kevin Skelly
    Superintendent
    San Mateo Union High School District
    650 South Delaware
    San Mateo, CA 94401
    Dear Dr. Skelly,
    Under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that include the following:
    1. The itemized disclosure of all legal settlements by the SMUHSD in disputes regarding ADA-505 claims as well as Special Education claims. This is not a request for the names of the families involved, but an itemization of the cases to include the date and amount of financial settlements and/or awards paid by the SMUHSD between the January 2015 and August 2018.
    2. The legal and Public Record request expenses associated with SMUHSD employee Pyongduk “Di” Yim filed by any person or agency during the period while Ms. Yim was Principal at Burlingame High School. This request would include any and all expenses directly or indirectly associated with Principal Yim’s actions. The request should specifically include all expenses related to Public Records requests, legal exp of Principal Yim’s actions.
    3. The legal and Public Record request expenses associated with SMUHSD employee Melissa Murphy, a teacher at Burlingame High School as filed by ANY members of the public.
    This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.
    As a resident in the district, I am concerned about the legal compliance of the San Mateo Union High School District, as it has systematically denied prior public record requests for information regarding issues at Burlingame High School and the use of public funds. The systematic rejection of these legal requests does not comply with the rule of law or the legal conditions to reject a request for public information. The actions of the SMUHSD illustrate a pattern of covering up from public review, the improper actions of employees of the SMUHSD the negligent loss of tax payer dollars.
    I will be re-submitting my Public Record Requests in an effort to allow the SMUHSD to comply with the law.
    In addition, the 2015 FCMAT report outlines a 350% increase in legal costs and settlement fees costs a one-year period. The issues in the SMUHSD were only identified in 2015 therefore the full impact of the district negligence in ADA-504 and Special Education may be a much larger amount.
    “A final factor in reviewing the overall special education delivery system is the expense of legal costs and settlements. A brief analysis of district data on legal costs for the past three years found that legal fees increased 350% from 2012 to 2013. The director of special education and the associate superintendent of student services should review the past three years of complaints and analyze trends as well as review legal and settlements costs. This analysis should be provided to the SELPA director, and a professional development plan should be developed and implemented.” FCMAT Report to Dr. Kevin Skelly –July 2015
    SMUHSD in violation of the legal standards of the Public Records Act.
    The SMUHSD has been in violation of Gov’t Code § 6255(a) as it has failed to meet the standard set out in the statute. Dr. Kirk Black’s rejection of Public Record requests, only citing the so-called “catch-all” exemption found in Gov’t Code § 6255, is not enough to meet the standard of law. The catch-all exemption requires the SMUHSD to demonstrate “that on the facts of the particular cas,e the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record.” Gov’t Code § 6255(a). Dr. Black and the SMUHSD have failed to produce ANY facts to substantiate a denial of a public records request.
    The use of the “catch all” exemption does not justify non-disclosure, as the district must set forth facts showing that the public interest in not releasing the documents “clearly outweighs” the interest in disclosure.
    Dr. Black has repeatedly and improperly cited the “catch all” Government Code section 6255, “the public interest served by not disclosing the records clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure,” as the reason for his failure to disclose the requested documents.
    The California Public Records Act requires a response within ten business days. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.
    If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.

  29. KRN

    We expected the truth…
    BHS Principal Di Yim announced that she was leaving to take care of family in Southern California.
    Lie.
    It was discovered that Principal Yim actually ran off to Henderson Nevada with another SMUHSD District Office Leader.
    Why this lie?
    Prior to her departure, Principal Yim was allowed to continue her destruction by hiring replacement employees…. including those who may have played a role in the disruption of the school in the first place..
    The truth and credibility up front would have been professional.
    While the current SMUHSD Board did not face any competitors, they have a responsibility to demand the truth.

  30. hollyroller@gmail.com

    Are you stating that “Principle Dick in a Box” ran off to Henderson, Nevada(next door to Las Vegas) with a “Judge” that was also a Prosecutor regarding your Case?

  31. KRN

    It wasn’t the judge, but a member of the court.
    If you run the IT system… you have access to ALL the information… and its manipulation.
    I would say to keep your eyes and ears open and there are rumblings that “heads will roll” downtown…. again.
    CTA provides teachers with $1 Million in liability Insurance… Lets hope everyone has updated their policies.

  32. hollyroller@gmail.com

    Like the Kavanagh Supreme Court Nomination( I watch the entire show)Truth is no longer necessary when determining, well anything. However, it becomes Obscene when Politics’ are involved.
    I learned last week that there are “Levels” of truth.
    Attorney vs. Attorney.
    Whoever comes up with the best “production” i.e. Anger, Sadness, Honor, Family, emotional presentation, Religion, Sexual definitions’, and Money wins the argument. Facts and Truth do not matter anymore.
    Dear KRN,
    30 years ago your complaints and mistreatment by the most important Government Agency Government-Education would have been handled, as it should, between Union and “Management.”
    This weeks “investigation” of Kavanagh, will determine the integrity of this Nation’s laws.
    I am very frustrated by the BS that your family, and livelihood have endured. That is a real thing that Parents, Students, Educators should all be concerned with.
    You are a Hero KRN. Your People should be more invested in this case.
    You need a PR Contractor.
    With a little research, you may find an upstart PR that needs to get their name out there.
    Also, a “Go Fund Me’ page.
    I will contribute at least $100.00.
    More.

  33. KRN

    Hollyroller…. We have an elected Board who is responsible to protect the students, parents, and community.
    The Board is now fully aware of what transpired at BHS… but initially, they were lied to about the “facts.”
    Burlingame High School became a dysfunctional environment where adult teachers acted like the children they are hired to supervise.
    The statement below, a sworn and signed affidavit by a BHS teacher to the SM Superior Court to BLOCK the public disclosure of her actions on the BHS campus.
    “If my identity in this legal action is revealed to the public …I will suffer “great humiliation and embarrassment.”
    This is a teacher, paid by tax dollars, while on the job took actions that in her own words, the simple disclosure of her identity would bring “great humiliation and embarrassment.”
    As a result of her signed admission to the SM Superior Court and corresponding documents describing her malpractice while on the job , the State of California is currently evaluating if this teacher should keep her teaching credential.
    The BHS lies run deep… but they are also documented.
    Text:
    “If my identity in this legal action is revealed to the public and the memo in question is disclosed to the public, I will suffer great humiliation and embarrassment. Not only would the release of the memo disclose private, embarrassing information about me, but I also am concerned that disclosure of memos of this nature will fuel gossip, be posted on social media, and lead to dissension among co-workers. I have young children of my own, and I do not want them to face embarrassment or questions about me. I do not want my community to judge me negatively base on a single memo or deride me as a “trouble-maker” for bringing a lawsuit.”
    The Burlingame community has long discussed its “fear” of retaliation of BHS teachers against students and parents who file complaints. BHS parents are often heard stating, “After my last child gets out, I’ll say something.”
    The fears of the Burlingame High School Community were real… and so were the retaliations against those who complained.
    One Senior English Teacher made it a practice to “wreck” the GPA of prospective Valedictorians. Students entered their senior year with a perfect 4.0 GPA, knowing that this teacher may target them. The students who were assigned to Mr. Burke breathed a sigh of relief, as they knew their path to becoming Valedictorian was safe. The others were not so lucky. There are students and parents from multiple years who have commented (as victims) of this practice.
    The Senior English Teacher did not grade papers based on merit, but instead on her own personal view of the student’s family standing in the community and and income. These downgraded papers were taken to university professors for review. The professors were stunned to see excellent work receive grades of C.
    BHS seniors responded by listing only their ID number rather than their names on their papers to avoid the retaliation.
    This practice was disclosed in a 2014, investigation where the teacher admitted to the practice.
    No Action was taken against the Teacher-Why?
    The Board was been kept in the Dark and the executive leadership was covering up the negligence.
    The SMUHSD Board was fed “filtered” information from its executive leaders in order to misinform and mislead them. The Board also allowed “Absentee Superintendent,” (The Board’s name for the Superintendent) Scott Laurence to leave Principal Di Yim at BHS, well after she had proven her incompetence beyond the “Dick in the Box” Dance.
    The Board now has an obligation to terminate those leaders. Some are already gone. The Board is now (and has been) “fully informed” of the events that transpired at BHS, but does not want to act
    The pre-Skelly leaders not only mislead him, but the Board as well as they covered up their own negligence.
    In his public comments on March 2016 as he voted in favor of the Involuntary Transfer of Kevin Nelson from Burlingame High School, Trustee Marc Friedman states that there is a “Triangle” of conflict between “Mr. Nelson, a whole bunch of BHS Teachers and the Administration.”
    Mr. Friedman is citing conflicts based on legal Uniform Complaints filed by parents regarding the improper and illegal actions of teachers. The conflicts that ensued were the retaliation of teachers against both parents and students.
    The district and state prohibits such retaliation is it WAS the duty of the Board to take action against the retaliatory teachers, not the Whistleblowers.
    The teacher above who states a “great humiliation and embarrassment” was caught and called out on retaliating against a parent and a student. The same as her English Department peer.
    At the Board meeting, Mr. Friedman went on to pontificate about the fact that “During this entire process “No ONE said lets sit down over coffee and see what we can do to solve the conflict.”
    BHS Parents made multiple written requests for a meeting with Ms. Murphy through the administration and Board, but these requests were rejected.
    Mr. Friedman knew that his comments were false when he made them. It was just another move to cover up the negligence.
    In April 2015, Mr. Friedman presided over the Board meeting where at least 20 BHS families and students spoke to the Board about the incompetence of Di Yim as a principal. This was not the first or the last time that the public would have to ask for help.
    Trustee Friedman and the Board ignored the parents and left Di Yim in charge of BHS… where she attempted to completed her task of “eliminating every shred of history and tradition associated with Burlingame High School.” (quote of a BHS teacher)
    Who is guarding the guardians?
    The Board has failed both its legal and moral responsibility to the students and community.
    Mr. Friedman states, “We need to have peace at BHS.”
    No Mr. Friedman, we need to have honesty and ethics.

  34. KRN

    Posters named Consider the Source and Burlingame Mike (see thread below) each challenged the validity of the information presented and challenged posts made by anonymous sources.
    Of course, these individuals themselves were posting anonymously
    “if you call for the firing of someone, at least state who you are. Otherwise these posts feel like subterfuge and a lie and it discredits you and all of your statements.”
    https://www.burlingamevoice.com/2018/04/bhs-drug-article/comments/page/2/#comments
    Here is where you can read the original documents and public record disclosures.
    Facebook Page
    Citizens for Mr. Nelson and a better BHS
    The original statements, financial disclosures, witness statements can be found there for review.
    The real problem will be that teachers such as Consider the Source and Burlingame Mike were fed large quantities of lies to “sell” the story.

  35. KRN-Public Records Disclosed-BHS Principal Di Yim runs off with SMUHSD Administrator-

    The BHS lies continue to grow. :Public Records, expenditures, etc are posted at the following:
    Facebook Page
    Citizens for Mr. Nelson and a better BHS
    The original statements, financial disclosures, witness statements can be found there for review.
    New documents will be posted for the public.

  36. Mom

    I cannot find the part about Di Yim running off with anyone on the Facebook page. Can someone point it out for me, please?

  37. KRN- Update to the FB Page

    Updates on the Facebook Page
    Citizens for Mr. Nelson and a better BHS
    Nelson’s Involuntary Transfer is based on a series of lies.
    On January 22, 2016 BHS Principal called an “Emergency Meeting” of faculty to announce her resignation. Principal Yim announced that she was leaving to “take care of family” in Southern California.
    The “Emergency” was that Yim had to resign before the 12:00 noon student parent walk out in protest of Nelson’s Involuntary Transfer.
    The lie was that Principal Yim not moving to Southern California, but was running off with an SMUHSD District Office Official Kenneth Demers.
    Attached is a record for a Pyongduk “Di” Yim and Kenneth Demers for a home purchase in Henderson Nevada.(see 10/4/16)
    It seems that the folks at the SMUHSD and Board knew that Yim was not heading to Southern California.
    The lies run deep. Its time to tell the truth.

  38. Hollyroller

    I am so sorry that this event has taken up so much of your life.
    Will there ever be an end that will satisfy you?
    What will that be?

  39. KRN- No Honor at BHS-Take a Stand against Lies

    Hollyroller….
    In the courts and through the legal process, these issues take time.
    The SMUHSD has been ignoring public record requests on this issue for well over a year, yet they hold documents that prove their own guilt.
    The issues at BHS are a FUBAR of epic proportions, but there is no reason for the BOARD to bury the issue. If the BOARD is going to get lifetime Health Benefits, they need to EARN them.
    Fact: As offered…I’ll sit in a room and answer questions with ANY Board Member, BHS Staffer, or District Office Official to discuss one of these issues.
    I can’t say the same for the others who hid behind their lies. (Burlingame Mike and Consider the Source)
    The BV has always been a place where issues important to Burlingame locals can find information and post comments.
    I have been a longtime resident and active contributor to the Burlingame Community as an individual, parent, coach, mentor, and teacher at Burlingame High School. I dedicated most of my adult life to our town and our children.
    I took on the dysfunctional environment at BHS as it was personally damaging our children and community.
    As a result of exercising my parental and civic duty, I had my personal and professional reputation destroyed as well as my professional carer as a teacher.
    I was removed from Burlingame High School based on the lies of those accused of wrongdoing as I became scapegoat for their inappropriate actions.
    These teachers took (and continue to take) highly inappropriate actions against OUR children.
    The Board is elected to represent the community, students, and parents. They do not represent the Administrators (their employees) or the teachers.
    (Lifetime Health Benefits are a great deal. It would nice if the Board earned them by doing their jobs and representing the public)
    The Truth—That is what I wanted; this (journey of retaliation) is what I got
    Instead, I’ve been blamed for what transpired at BHS and those who created the mess are stall on the site, cowering in fear that they may be exposed for the lies they have told.
    Burlingame Parents are quick to admit that they fear retaliation from teachers at BHS. (even today. I just spoke to a few parents the other day- same teachers different shit)
    There has been no dispute on this issue. I was the target of slander and retaliation by teachers, Principal Yim, and possibly district office administrators.
    As a parent and as a teacher, (Upon advice from the CTA and the BHS Administration) I filed complaints regarding unprofessional, improper, and what may be criminal behavior.
    I took the responsible, proper and ethical approach.
    While these issues involved very few people at BHS, these few organized, slandered, lied and mislead those investigating the complaints.
    Chris Reynolds (Investigator hired by SMUHSD) Investigation Summary
    “The evidence concluded that the staff complaints about the Nelson situation were primarily based on staff problems with Kevin Nelson. Some Staff exercised poor judgment when they e-mailed or made statements about Mr. Nelson to other colleagues. Burlingame High School was very divided and the division noted during the investigation was centered around Mr. Nelson’s complaints against his colleagues over a two-year period that resulted in hard feelings and a breakdown in communications.”
    (BHS Parents file complaints and teachers retaliate against the students and parents)
    The investigator concluded that the issues were based on the BHS teachers retaliations against Kevin Nelson. (not the other way around)
    According to one SMUHSD official looking back at the situation…
    “Burlingame High School was a dysfunctional mess”
    “Burlingame High School was no place to put an inexperienced first year principal.”
    The retaliation against Kevin Nelson and his family are the actions of a few individuals with no ethics or honor. These “adults” were in the employment of the public, yet treated students, parents, and peers with contempt. These teachers and principal abusive with (limited) power, believing that they could do what they wanted to students and parents.
    Just look at the documents on Facebook…. there are more to come.

  40. KRN- Events that Trigger Yim’s targeting of Nelson- trail of breadcrumbs-

    Why the targeting and retaliation.
    In April 2015, I accepted a settlement offer from the SMUHSD regarding a failure of the SMUHSD to follow Federal law. (The district states the settlement was to avoid litigation)
    In less than a 45 day period, BHS Principal Di Yim and SMUHSD Deputy Superintendent Kirk Black began actions of retaliation against me as an employee for engaging in “protected activities.” Public Records show communication and coordination between Black and Yim on these issues. (to be published at a later date)
    Any rookie HR leader or lawyer would have explained to these individual that the “timing” of their actions are retaliatory in addition to the evidence of the actions themselves.
    Principal Yim’s job was already in jeopardy and the BHS Parents Group had already asked the Board and Superintendent Laurence to remove Yim from BHS.
    Principal Yim chose to target and make Kevin Nelson a scapegoat with an employment action in response to Yim’s very public failure in April 2015.
    At the April 2015 Board meeting, BHS Parents and students lined up during the Public Comment period and gave evidence to the level of ignorance and negligence Di Yim in running BHS. Specifically, Principal Di destroyed the Master Schedule at BHS, blocking students from classes essential to college admissions and eliminating others. Principal Yim withheld a section of AP Chemistry (to punish the teacher) to “give” the section to a friend she was hiring in another department, granting the friend a full time job. (These are all on the recording of the April 23, 2015 Board Meeting.
    BHS Principal Yim then wrote an email (outing the email addresses of parents and teachers) Leap of Faith in an attempt to explain her failures.
    From: P. Di Yim
    Date: Sat, Apr 25, 2015 at 7:56 AM
    Subject: Leap of Faith
    (A redacted copy to be posted.)
    For all intents and purposes, Yim should have been let go at this point of time. Here negligence and failures were a clear and present danger to the BHS Community.
    Principal Yim then waited until AFTER the school year ended to come after Kevin Nelson.
    On Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 5:53 PM, P. Di Yim wrote:
    Dear Kevin,
    Now that the school year is over and we are into the summer break, I thought this might be a good time to meet and discuss a few concerns with you. Would you be available to meet with Kirk and me next Monday, June 8, at 2:00 pm? If you want to bring a representative with you, please feel free to do so.
    Thanks,
    Di Yim
    Principal
    Burlingame High School
    650-558-2800
    The actions in the employment letter were not only fabricated, but were discussed by Yim and Black prior to the request for a meeting and writing of the letter. The Office of Civil Rights would later determine that Kevin Nelson’s actions were “protected activities.” The “family” involved in the issue were backing Nelson, never filed a complaint against any teacher, and were actually targeted by Yim.
    The entire issue backfired on Yim and brought further disgrace to her leadership.
    The actions by Yim and Black triggered a Department of Fair Employment and Housing investigation, costing the SMUHSD over $15, 000.
    Everything above is documented in Public Records
    Where is the Board?
    Who was “feeding them” information?

  41. KRN- SMUHSD Board member orders retaliation- Administration Conflict of Interest

    SMUHSD Board member orders retaliation against Nelson.
    May 31, 2017
    OCR- SMUHSD knowingly submitted false statements-Case #9-16-1932
    According to Superintendent Skelly, a SMUHSD Board member instructed the administration to take action against Kevin Nelson after it received an official communication via a private email address.
    The communication informed the Board that the SMUHSD Administration had provided FALSE information to an investigation conducted by the SF Office of Civil Rights.
    When did the members of an elected Board (who represents the public) direct its administration to take employment action against an employee?
    I have made multiple requests for the member of the SMUHSD Board to “Step Up” and take responsibility for acting out against against a constituent.
    The Board used its power over Nelson as an employee to punish him for acts as a tax paying citizen and member of the community. The Board does not have this type of power over others.
    The public demands transparency from its elected officials and if a Board member cannot take responsibility for their actions, then they should no longer represent the people.
    The SMUHSD Deputy Superintendent Kirk Black issued Kevin Nelson an employment reprimand “placing you on a path to termination. ” The reprimand was issued because Kevin Nelson sent a communication reporting Deputy Superintendent Black as the individual who submitted false information to the Office of Civil Rights.
    Do you see a conflict of interest?
    The letter includes the following closing statements
    “In a similar investigation conducted by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the SMUHSD submitted testimony that was false and misleading to avoid responsibility. BHS Principal Di Yim specifically gave false testimony in order to deflect from her employment negligence and retaliation.
    The SMUHSD Board is elected to serve the community and protect the student. Dr. Skelly serves as the pleasure of the Board.
    No citizen should have to sue it School Board to get an ethical answer based on evidence that the Board itself has in possession.”
    This was to send a threat to the reporter and a “chilling effect” to anyone who challenges the SMUHSD.
    The Board Member needs to take responsibility… or be outed to the public.

  42. Hollyroller

    You are a strong Human Being.
    I do not know if you have an Attorney.
    However, this is the sort of case that should have Lawyers “Knocking on your front door.”
    Please consider contacting a Public Relations Firm-there are hundreds in the SF Bay Area. I am sure you will get the help you need.
    This “Horrible Life” you have found yourself in is to much for one person.
    Please consider contacting a Public Relations Corporation.
    I believe the cost will be based on the Settlement you will receive.

  43. KRN

    This is the slow death of the public process.
    The Office of Civil Rights has this as an Open Case.
    The EEOC will be taking up the case next week for retaliation for protected activities.
    The California Department of Education-Teacher Credentialing is investigating the credentials involved.
    It like exterminating termites. You want to make sure you get all of them the first time.
    The Board and the “prior” Administration (BHS Yim and SMUHSD Laurence and Black) are fully responsible for these actions and financial losses to the taxpayers.
    The Board faced no competition in this election, so the issue could not be vetted against them. In the next election Board Members Friedman and Land are up for re-election.
    Since Land was not on the Board at the time of the events, I guess Friedman will have to take the fall for the negligence of the Board.
    Since Friedman spoke out on the issue and failed to even scratch the truth (like he knew what he was doing) he should take the fall.

  44. Hollyroller

    In all serious, the life you have been forced to be involved with could be an important documentary that would expose not just your plight, but many other educators in the US, and beyond. If you can find the strength to do so.
    You have fought the “Man,” for too long to not have been noticed by Bay Area Film Makers. There are HUNDREDS of SF Bat Area Film Makers that would “JUMP” at the chance to bring your “Plight” to educators everywhere.
    The great film “Norma Ray” comes to mind. As do many other Labor/Political presentation’s.
    You maybe able to turn this ” organized injustice” into a stepping stone.
    I believe you need a 180 change of direction.
    You have used up the “sorry me” stuff and should go on the Offensive ASAP.
    Then again, WTF do I know?

  45. KRN

    I have two national journalists and multiple local journalists who are interested in the issue.
    But why write the story when the SMUHSD continues to screw up?
    Dr. Kevin Skelly was not running the SMUHSD when the debacle took place. He relied upon information supplied to him by Dr. Black and Di Yim, who lied to him to cover up their own actions. As time passes, Dr. Skelly is becoming aware of wha actually transpired.
    In addition, the small group of teachers at BHS who thought their lies would be protected are discovering that the Public Records Act has produce their emails and communications proving their lies. The public disclosure of these documents will (in the words of Melissa Murphy) “embarrassed and humiliate” me in front of my children and the public. (Murphy’s signed statement to the San Mateo Superior Court.)
    If Murphy will be embarrassed on the local level. we can only imagine what will happen when her actions are broadcast across the country.
    Dr. Skelly was lied to by his associated. The Board has ignored the information that has been provided to them by a highly reliable source.
    Dr. Skelly has the opportunity to bring this issue to a close, once he fully embraces the fact that his associates have lied to him to protect there own jobs.
    We already know that Di Yim was an excessive liar. Its only a matter of time before the other shoe(s) drop.

  46. KRN-AP Economics – Rome Burning?

    Since my Involuntary Transfer from BHS, the enrollment in AP Government and AP Economics has dropped from 188 students to 124 students.
    A loss of 64 seniors which translates to two full sections! (BHS WASC Report)
    I know, it was the conservative students who were threatened in class and left on their own.
    I though that my removal was supposed to make things better at BHS?
    I’m sure there are a few liars smiling…. don’t count your chickens…
    Loose Lips sink ships-
    Its Murphy’s Law

  47. hollyroller@gmail.com

    Great to “Hear-Read” from you again.
    Keep Fighting.
    Learnin(a small joke)your case is worthy of a Documentary addressing the Public vs. Private Education System in the SF Bay Area. I hope you are becoming “Grounded” in your most recent post.
    Things Always Get Better!
    I am very proud that you are continuing to fight for the truth. It might be to late to Salvage your career, but you will really help someone else that may end up in a Pickle too.

  48. Wondering

    Can somebody simply list how conservative students were harmed for me? Very interested and unfamiliar with case. Much appreciation

  49. hollyroller@gmail.com

    Wow,
    That is a HUGE request.
    I believe the “horrible” event that has effected such a good educator, his family and career will never be made whole.
    Look it up “Wondering.”
    I am looking forward to your observation/opinion.

  50. KRN

    Since Wondering is most likely a BHS Teacher Troll…. here you go.
    “Very interested and unfamiliar with the case”- why state this if it is implied by your first question?
    I will not put the names or actions of current students in harms way.
    There is (and has been) a real fear of grade and college admissions retaliation by BHS teachers against students and/or families who dared to challenge the “reign of error.” (citation to a former closet conservative at BHS)
    When high school students are put down, shamed, or threatened because they hold a conservative and/or right wing political position on a school campus by teachers, then there is a problem. Students and parents should not live in fear of immature teacher retaliation for any reason.
    Tax dollars support all political positions in a high school classroom.
    Students have the right to hold and articulate positions conservative positions on: Rent Control, Minimum Wage, Unions, Immigration, Right to Arms, and a variety of other issues that are in opposition to a majority of students (and faculty) at BHS.
    The current post was reflecting on the significant drop in student enrollment in the AP Government and AP Economics programs since the Nelson transfer.
    The comment on Conservatives was a response to the lack of “acceptance” of conservative political though in the public school classrooms at BHS. I live in Burlingame and engage with BHS students and parents.
    In my former program, there was a strong emphasis on the promotion and enthusiasm behind both Democratic and Republican ideologies in both Political Science and Economics. The strong backlash across the country, driven by conservatives with a claim of indoctrination by liberal educators mandating an allegiance to liberal ideology in the classroom.
    I am trained in both conservative and liberal politics and economics. While at BHS, I angered teachers because I refused to “toe” the “Liberal line” and only pontificate and support the ideology of the Left.
    The public school classroom is not a soapbox for the current inhabitant of the space. It is a place for the open ended exploration and discussion contrasting thoughts and ideas. It is a place were a student feels accepted and protected in a MAGA Hat, if that is his/her point of view. The “adult” at the front of the room is not paid to create blind allegiance, but to stimulate a range of questions in the minds of the students.

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