Mark has visited almost all of TUSD’s schools, with the typical visit lasting 2½-3 hours; he has visited some schools several times. It is unusual for Board members to make such in-depth visits, but they are important for making informed ...
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INTERVIEW PROCESS REFORM
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One of TUSD’s many “hidden” problems has been poorly constructed interview panels, even for major administrative positions. This was never the subject of a Board action, but Mark has pushed with some success for panels that: (i) include more persons ...
Read MoreMULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS
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Mark has promoted multi-year contracts, including the 2011-13 teachers’ contract that followed a breakdown in negotiations. Multiyear contracts reduce uncertainty for employees and can reduce the incentive to search for new jobs. In 2015 Mark promoted a policy change to ...
Read MoreMark has promoted greater transparency in the Governing Board’s operations. 1) Mark advocated for videostreaming of board meetings for several years, before the board finally agreed in 2011 (a 4-1 vote). Videostreaming started in early 2012, and those recordings ...
Read MoreIn 2008, the Board voted 4-1 for the land swap that secured the parcel on which the new McCorkle school sits. TUSD’s site selection committee had recommended a different site, and Mark had many concerns about the transaction. The Board ...
Read MoreMark has advocated continually for careful scrutiny of administrative and operating expenses. He has voted against many consulting contracts for services that appear overpriced or based on personal relationships or which could be provided by TUSD’s own administrative staff. In ...
Read MoreAfter years of discussion concerning whether University High School (UHS) should admit out-of-district students, Mark successfully advocated for this change, which occurred six years ago. This has allowed UHS to grow and enrich its offerings and brought funds into the ...
Read MoreAfter the first major round of school closures, in 2010, TUSD received credible offers from four different charter schools, to buy or lease closed school sites. Mark was the only person in TUSD’s leadership arguing that such offers should be ...
Read MoreA district as large as TUSD should benefit from many economies of scale. TUSD achieved this in one area by switching to self-insurance in health in 2010. Mark advocated for this change, which is saving millions of dollars while generating ...
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