LAUSD Discusses Charter School "Conflict of Interest" That ZD Has Been Requesting: THANKS LAUSD! (See Academia Semilla Story Link Below)
NON-RELATED BONUS LINK: ZD/MAYOR SAM FEATURED IN SANTA CLARITA BLOG FOR EMINENT DOMAIN ACTIVISM
Thanks to the ZAPPER who noticed at the this week's LAUSD Board meeting, the issue of conflict of interest concerning Charter Schools was address. And I am told it sounded a lot like they were addressing concerns raised in the recent "conflict of interest" story posted on this blog concerning recently re-approved LAUSD Charter School Academia Semilla Del Pueblo.
Semilla wasn't specifically named, they stuck to discussing Charter schools, in general, which was the point of highlighting this concern, since the path to Charter expansion was just fast-tracked when Villaraigosa took control of LAUSD school board (with four of seven members supporting the mayor), and Eli Broad donation over $6 million to Charter schools, promising this is just the start.
That is why the potential "conflict of interest" in the way Semilla's school administration; school board; building ownership ;and rent agreement is structured has become newsworthy: Because it provides a template of potential "conflict of interests" for all Charter school business structuring in the future.
At issue was whether Charter schools are "public employees" required to fill out a "Form 700" (conflict of economic interest statement) as required by state.
It appears as though an argument can be made that Charter schools should indeed be required to fill out the form.
CLICK READ MORE FOR MORE ON "FORM 700"
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SEMILLA CHARTER CONFLICT OF INTEREST CONCERNS BASED ON FINANCIAL REPORTS
1. What is the "Form 700" SEI Requirement?
The law seeks to help those making financial decisions on behalf of their agencies be aware of conflicts, so that they can avoid inappropriate personal gain.
2. Who is affected by this requirement?
Any official, employee, or consultant holding a position which involves them in influencing financial decisions on behalf of their agency may be subject to the SEI Form 700 filing requirement.
Examples of positions statewide which are required to file a Form 700 include: elected officials, commissioners, judges, attorneys, directors, financial managers, contracts monitors, project specialists, et cetera.
At LAUSD, board members, superintendents, principals, directors, deputies, coordinators, buyers, attorneys and other decision-makers are among the positions required to file.
3. N/A
4. Are employees in other school districts affected by this? [I would consider a Charter "other school district" if not considered "district".]
Yes. State law (Gov. Code 87300) requires every state and local government agency to adopt a Conflict of Interest Code. While different school districts may be at varying levels of compliance with this state law, every school district must comply or face sanctions and penalties. {That's it!!! If every local state and government has to file, they gotta file -- whether a Charter employees are considered public, or not!]
AND THANKS TO LAUSD FOR LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE OF "CONFLICT OF INTEREST" REGARDING THE BUSINESS STRUCTURE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS.
contact: zumadogg@gmail.com
Thanks to the ZAPPER who noticed at the this week's LAUSD Board meeting, the issue of conflict of interest concerning Charter Schools was address. And I am told it sounded a lot like they were addressing concerns raised in the recent "conflict of interest" story posted on this blog concerning recently re-approved LAUSD Charter School Academia Semilla Del Pueblo.
Semilla wasn't specifically named, they stuck to discussing Charter schools, in general, which was the point of highlighting this concern, since the path to Charter expansion was just fast-tracked when Villaraigosa took control of LAUSD school board (with four of seven members supporting the mayor), and Eli Broad donation over $6 million to Charter schools, promising this is just the start.
That is why the potential "conflict of interest" in the way Semilla's school administration; school board; building ownership ;and rent agreement is structured has become newsworthy: Because it provides a template of potential "conflict of interests" for all Charter school business structuring in the future.
At issue was whether Charter schools are "public employees" required to fill out a "Form 700" (conflict of economic interest statement) as required by state.
It appears as though an argument can be made that Charter schools should indeed be required to fill out the form.
CLICK READ MORE FOR MORE ON "FORM 700"
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SEMILLA CHARTER CONFLICT OF INTEREST CONCERNS BASED ON FINANCIAL REPORTS
1. What is the "Form 700" SEI Requirement?
The law seeks to help those making financial decisions on behalf of their agencies be aware of conflicts, so that they can avoid inappropriate personal gain.
2. Who is affected by this requirement?
Any official, employee, or consultant holding a position which involves them in influencing financial decisions on behalf of their agency may be subject to the SEI Form 700 filing requirement.
Examples of positions statewide which are required to file a Form 700 include: elected officials, commissioners, judges, attorneys, directors, financial managers, contracts monitors, project specialists, et cetera.
At LAUSD, board members, superintendents, principals, directors, deputies, coordinators, buyers, attorneys and other decision-makers are among the positions required to file.
3. N/A
4. Are employees in other school districts affected by this? [I would consider a Charter "other school district" if not considered "district".]
Yes. State law (Gov. Code 87300) requires every state and local government agency to adopt a Conflict of Interest Code. While different school districts may be at varying levels of compliance with this state law, every school district must comply or face sanctions and penalties. {That's it!!! If every local state and government has to file, they gotta file -- whether a Charter employees are considered public, or not!]
AND THANKS TO LAUSD FOR LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE OF "CONFLICT OF INTEREST" REGARDING THE BUSINESS STRUCTURE OF CHARTER SCHOOLS.
contact: zumadogg@gmail.com
Posted by Zuma Dogg @ 6/03/2007 11:10:00 PM
5 Comments:
Get 'em, Dogg....
Follow the money!
Have you rooted through Antonio's donor lists?
Alliance for Better Schools is all about the money.
What or where is Alliance for Better Schools; city, county, state or national?
Washington D.C.
Partnership for Better Schools!!
Boring.
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