Delaine Fragnoli

Public hearing Wednesday on future of Indian Valley schools

Efforts to recall Glenn Harris, superintendent of the Plumas County Office of Education, are proceeding. Plumas County Clerk-Recorder Kathy Williams certified the petition to recall Harris Monday, March 26, so proponents can begin collecting signatures.

These 24 Quincy teachers recieved layoff or bump notices. Their shirts read. "How can students get ahead when teachers are left behind?" Photo by Shannon Morrow

According to Williams, they will need the signatures of 2,548 valid registered voters. They have 120 days, or no later than July 24, to gather the signatures.

The Committee to Recall Glenn Harris expects to start circulating petitions this week. Members will host booths at various public places in Quincy, Indian Valley, Chester, Graeagle and Portola.

These 12 Chester teachers recieved layoff or bump notices.

The committee alleges that Harris has created an environment of fear and intimidation among administrators, teachers and other employees; has allowed an incomplete and incompetent facilities and budget study to be used as a basis for decision-making; is allowing a public process on school closures to proceed that does not allow access to financial and other pertinent information and that is disrespectful of community members’ time and work; is repeatedly misrepresenting the budget to the board and public; and is failing to care for all students of the county and ensuring that their educational needs are met.

These 7 Indian Valley teachers recieved layoff or bump notices.

Harris had until March 16 to file an answer to the notice of intention, but did not. He is not required to.

Plumas County Clerk-Recorder Kathy Williams said last week that the timing was such that the recall might be consolidated with the November general election. That would save PCOE some money, since a stand-alone election is usually more expensive to conduct.

Efforts to recall board member Sonja Anderson appear to have reached an impasse. Although she was served a notice of intent to recall at the March 8 board meeting, recall proponents have not followed through by publishing the notice.

Meanwhile PCOE and Plumas Unified School District are soliciting applicants to fill the seat of Brad Baker, who quit the board during the March 8 meeting after receiving a notice of intent to recall. A public notice to that effect appears elsewhere in today’s paper.

The move puts to rest rumors that Baker would somehow hold onto his seat. “Acceptance of Brad Baker’s resignation by County Superintendent” appears as an information/discussion item on the agenda for the PCOE meeting tonight, March 28.

These 17 Portola teachers recieved layoff or bump notices.

“Accept resignation of Brad Baker” appears as an action item on the PUSD agenda. The PUSD meeting follows the PCOE meeting.

Applicants interested in filling Baker’s seat must reside in the East Quincy attendance area. Applications are due to the superintendent’s office by noon April 19. Application packets and additional information are available at the district office in Quincy, 50 Church St., or by calling the superintendent’s office at 283-6500, ext. 217.

Continued evaluation of Harris appears as a closed session item on both the PCOE and PUSD agendas.

Another item of note on the PUSD agenda is a public hearing on the potential closure or consolidation of Indian Valley schools.

The PCOE meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. PUSD is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., or whenever PCOE concludes. The meeting is in the Greenville Elementary School cafeteria, 225 Grand St. Agendas are available at pcoe.k12.ca.us.