Teachers union disagrees with Bee’s State Center recommendations

On April 6, 2015, the Fresno Bee Editorial Board expressed its dismay over some on the State Center Community College District Board of Trustees “who thumb their noses at the public, state law and transparency,” and called for an SCCCD “house cleaning.” Last week, the State Center Federation of Teachers was disappointed in The Bee’s choice of house cleaners.

The behavioral indiscretions of incumbent Eric Payne, the Bee’s choice for Area 2, were in part the subject of The Bee’s earlier concern. And former Clovis Community College President Deborah Ikeda’s leadership style – to ask forgiveness, rather than permission – represents the thumbing of the nose The Bee called to be cleaned up.

While we commend The Bee for recognizing that Pao Yang, who SCFT has endorsed, stands out as an alternative for Area 2, we were disheartened when it failed to recognize that David Rowell is the “Mr. Clean” the District needs in Area 6.

State Center stands at a crossroads, and SCFT believes that Yang and Rowell bring the integrity and mature analytical skills that, combined with the experience of the current board members, will create the collaborative spirit needed to set our district on the right path.

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 11:45 AM with the headline "Teachers union disagrees with Bee’s State Center recommendations."