On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 12:26 AM, 'Teresa Phillips' wrote:

To Members of the Board and Superintendent:

Please find attached my comments delivered at tonight's board meeting around accountability. Per my comments, I request that you add to the next meeting's agenda a vote for or against the reconstitution of West Valley, as it came to be. Please notify me of your intent within the next 10 days. 

It was exhilarating, exhausting, and enlightening to be there tonight. Exhilarating - because I've waited so long for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. Exhausting - because the room was flooded with emotion. And Enlightening - because finally, at the end, you displayed transparency.

Kristen Lyn, I commend you for your compassion and courage. You truly understood what was going on at tonight's meeting and voted to pause. Whether you ultimately would've voted for or against the HSD contract doesn't matter. You suggested that the vote be delayed -- to take time, to consider, to contemplate public input. When you were forced to vote, you voted your conscience. Thank you, Kristen.

Soma McCandless, I am disappointed by your vote in favor of HSD. So many other parents who know you well were sure you would get it. I saw you lean in the direction of postponing the vote. When your vote was called -- for a split second, I saw you pause. But then, you voted with the vocal majority. You seemed very subdued.

Anjali Kausar, I am disheartened by your vote in favor of HSD. You were so focused on your own positive experience when "HSD had done it to you" that you couldn't consider there may be an alternative view of their effectiveness or conflict of interest.

Phyllis Vogel and WendyGudalewicz, I am disgusted by your entire performance tonight. You heard countless emotional pleas for acknowledgment and validation by parents, teachers and staff, and community members. Yet, you refused to show an ounce of empathy or compassion. But still, I thank you. By showing your true disregard and disrespect for the community in which you serve, I was enlightened. Without a doubt, nothing will change until there's a change in leadership.

Best Regards,
Teresa Phillips