More Debt for Scottsdale Schools

Scottsdale school officials are preparing to go back to the public trough in an attempt to finance renovations and improvements in the local school system. Improvements are needed, but perhaps the district could also consider some cost-saving measures as well. We'll see if that's up for discussion.

Closure of Zuni School Pending

Parents who send their kids to the Zuni school were surprised to learn that the School Board may close the north Scottsdale campus and merge students into other nearby schools. If the change goes through, students will be moved to different schools in the fall, presumably placing more burden on existing schools and educators.

Does closing schools lead to better educational opportunities? Stay tuned.

Teen Sexual Assualt Victim's Family Suing Business

The family of a 14-year old girl sexually assaulted at Saguaro High School is suing the janitorial company responsible for hiring Roberto Lemus-Retana, the illegal immigrant charged in the crime. Retana's trial is currently underway with the alleged attacker claiming that the sex was consensual because the freshman student needed money.

Freshman Girl Didn't Flee Attacker

A 14-year old Saguaro freshman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor was in too much fear to attempt to escape the horrible situation in which she found herself. Paralyzed by fear and unsure of what would happen next, the young victim succumbed to her attacker. The scariness continued in court when defense attorney actually accused the young girl of propositioning the janitor because she "needed money." I suppose that's possible, but one thing is for sure: if the man in the picture was about to attack you, you'd probably be paralysed with fear as well.

Erwin Wins Top Education Post in Kentucky

Barbara Erwin pulled it off. The Kentucky Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Erwin for the top education post in the bluegrass state. Late in the hiring process, Erwin faced allegations of impropriety on her resume but she overcame those questions and snagged herself a $220,000 salary. We'll be watching the Kentucky newspapers to see if her management style continues to rub people the wrong way.

Barbara Erwin Learns Her Kentucky Fate Today

Kentucky's board of eduction will vote today on the appointment of Barbara Erwin to run the state's education system. Stay tuned for more information as it breaks later on today.

Kentucky Board Votes Wednesday On Erwin

Barbara Erwin's latest saga continues in Kentucky. A vote on Wednesday will decide her fate as the state commissioner of education amongst calls for Erwin to remove her name from consideration. Recent "revelations" about Barb's truthiness are giving some board members pause as they continue to get resistance to an Erwin regime. Board member Doug Hubbard went so far as to say, "The last nine days have been one revelation after another revelation, and I think there is a perception that she cannot overcome.'' Stay tuned for fireworks from the bluegrass state this week!

Scottsdale High School Students Caught Selling Soma

Five students from Cactus Shadows High School in Scottsdale have been busted for selling illegal drugs. The enterprising students purchased 1,000 Soma pills, a pharmaceutical-grade muscle relaxant available only by prescription, except in Mexico. The kids traveled down south of the border, made their score, then transported the drugs back to their Scottsdale high school. A few days later, a 16-year old girl overdoses and ends up in the hospital. That incident led to the arrest of the five students.

Kentucky Newspaper Comes Out Against Erwin

The bad news continues to mount for Barbara Erwin. The Courier-Journal of Louisville editorialized that Erwin is not the right choice for the Bluegrass State's top education job. The paper writes:

"But enough has now come out about her record to dictate a rethinking of the state school board's obviously flawed selection process."

Ouch. Next from the good folks of Louisville:

"...the last thing we need in the commissioner's office is someone with a confrontational, divisive operating style."

Slam dunk! They've got Erwin pegged. Question is, are the decision makers in Kentucky listening?

Former Scottsdale Leader Lies to Get Job

Barbara Erwin is looking for a job and a pesky thing like the truth isn't going to stop her. Erwin listed two education awards on her resume, but she only received one. She's gunning for the state's top education post in Kentucky. That sounds about right. At least her abusive, dictatorial style will no longer be felt in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Teacher Accused of Sex Crimes is Terminated

Just as the twisted tale of Tom Porras becomes public, the Scottsdale school district is moving to fire the long-time teacher from his post at Saguaro High School. Porras is alleged to have inappropriately touched a minor while she was visiting the teacher's home. The story continues to unfold, and today it was learned that many students may have visited Porras' house over the years. Security is a huge issue in our schools and Scottsdale's schools are showing some major holes in their security and safety controls for the students. High test scores are wonderful, but only in an environment that is safe and secure for our students.

Saguaro High School Substitute Teacher Arrested on Sex Charges

A well known substitute teacher at Saguaro High School has been arrested in connection with a sexual indecency event involving a minor at the teacher's home. The long-time coach and substitute teacher allegedly lured a young girl to his house in order to give her an "athletic massage." The teacher now faces felony charges.