I have just recently been informed of a change to the Agriculture program at the Westminster High School.The HBUHSD is trying to severely cut the program. Don't you usually see those steers off the side of the 405 freeway? Have you noticed that there isn't any right now?
That is because the "superintendent" has put a HOLD on all large livestock. The students for the first time in years (decades) are not allowed to have a steer, pig, or sheep. The deadline for entry into the fair is around a month away. Due to "farting around" the administration "lost" whatever class they normally have to receive funding from the Carl Perkins foundation. This part get's fuzzy for me, so when I receive more information on it be sure I will let you know.
The fact that there are no animals on the farm right now does speak volumes. Would the staff or Jerry just "let" the animals go? No, he would have and has fought for them. However, it is hard to keep a fight going when the facts you are given are thrown in your face as complete opposites.
I know that may be confusing to whoever is reading this and has no idea what's going on in the program. I just received this information tonight
I know that may be confusing to whoever is reading this and has no idea what's going on in the program. I just received this information tonight
The super is saying that they aren't "closing" the farm. I'm sure that he is right too. He's not closing it. No, he's ripping it to shreds knowing full well that the wounds will never heal and then the farm will eventually die.
Dramatic I know.
I know I'm putting words into his "mouth" but I honestly can see that being how his mind is working. After reading his "announcement" on the HSBUHSD, I'm sure the guy has lots of pressure dealing with the current economic status. Still doesn't make it right.
What I also don't get, is he's throwing numbers around (in the millions mind you) about other budget issues, and also about getting more portables for the campus?!! If classes are being cut, why the hell would you need more portables??? Again, I don't have the facts on it but that is what I gathered from that meeting. It is hard to understand issues in which you've never heard of before.So again, I apologize if I confuse.
What I also don't get, is he's throwing numbers around (in the millions mind you) about other budget issues, and also about getting more portables for the campus?!! If classes are being cut, why the hell would you need more portables??? Again, I don't have the facts on it but that is what I gathered from that meeting. It is hard to understand issues in which you've never heard of before.So again, I apologize if I confuse.
Although stated in the Super's letter: "..I hear the concern in our parents’ voices that there are rumors of program reductions in areas that have been integral parts of their children’s lives, when I hear a question from a valuable employee about whether or not they will have a job in the near future, it saddens me greatly." He may say it but his statements at the meeting did not give me ANY feeling that he was saddened by the concern, more that he didn't want to look like a bad guy so he said whatever he could to make everyone else look like an idiot. Obviously you'd have to be there to get it.
I believe there was reporter from the Orange County Register there so please keep your eyes open for any news article. I am currently doing the same.Now, one thing I do understand is that there is an economic recession that is hitting everyone very hard and for some way beneath the belt. However, this does not mean you can just lightly cut up a program, even if it is a small one. It still is a crucial program that is unique in this area.
How else is a city student to learn about agriculture? You take out the Farm and you change an entire education system. Do you like to eat steak? Not a steak person but enjoy chicken? Or turkey? Or Ham? Kiss it goodbye, because if this is the first in many cuts, we'll soon have no one who know anything about market meat - we'll all have to raise our own at home. Oh wait? You never got educated in taking care of animals? Too bad so sad. Guess we're all gonna have to switch to veggies.
What I know (or think are) of the current proposed changes are these:
-Animals reduced to rabbits and chickens - nothing else
-Reduce the pumpkin patch to a small little garden.
-Remove the Agriculture Specialist Position (Jerry's Job) This REALLY is the backbone of this course. If Jerry's job is eliminated, the farm cannot exist. He does everything - anything needs fixing - done. Hands on training with students-done. Caring and inspire to push yourself and others to get the job done-check. That is still not even half of what he does.
I urge anyone who values the importance of this type of program then please keep your eye out for anything that relates to it. I will keep what I can posted. They aren't saying much about the actual facts; they want to keep everyone confused so they can sneak underneath and knock the feet from under the agriculture program as was clearly EVIDENT by the Superintendent's little "speech" at the end of the meeting that was purposely done at the end as to invoke no room for argument. It was a sad state of affairs. The meeting and everything said was recorded and I hope someone will be able to get that for everyone to view.
If you would like to express your opinions, you may write directly to the board. I have the address. Or even go further as to send letter's to the State officials. I found out one of the head's of the agriculture department in Sacramento PERSONALLY contacted Mr. Nakanishi (aka Mr. N) about what he heard on this issue and was not happy about, and had intended to come to this meeting but was unable to. I will look into that too and see if I can write a letter.
This meeting was an "Information" meeting and that the actual "action" won't be until they've done more research into it. So, that's all for now. I hope it's not too confusing. I'm tired and too angry to make much sense I'm sure, but I'm trying. I wish I had a website to point out to you the specifics of this issue, but they don't want the fact actually posted since that would mean clarification. Clarification must be a non existent word in their dictionary.
Lani
This meeting was an "Information" meeting and that the actual "action" won't be until they've done more research into it. So, that's all for now. I hope it's not too confusing. I'm tired and too angry to make much sense I'm sure, but I'm trying. I wish I had a website to point out to you the specifics of this issue, but they don't want the fact actually posted since that would mean clarification. Clarification must be a non existent word in their dictionary.
Lani
Couple of pictures of all the people there for the FFA.
quote from: http://www.hbuhsd.org/
