Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Ceres Unified School District

Modesto Bee ______________________ Saturday, October 6, 2007
____________Paid Political Advertisement_____________

Voters of the Ceres Unified School District

Highlighted below are a number of facts Ceres Teachers would like you to consider in this year's School Board election before you vote for the candidates.

1. The teachers and community see the major building construction that has taken place in the Ceres Unified School District as being successful. What has been hidden in this construction flurry is the neglect of the building and maintaining of relationships in the District. A change is needed to rebuild these relationships making the District an even better place for education.

2. Teachers and other groups involved in the District are frustrated with the lack of respect from the administration and with the lack of voice in the decision making process in the schools and district.

3. Teachers continue to feel reprisals when offering opinions to the administration of the District.

4. Rarely is there any public discussion or independent voting by the School Board. Members have stated, "We have great discussions in closed session!" They have also stated, "We have to stand together as a team!" The public has the right to hear these "great discussions." Votes should be cast not as a block, but as members voting their own convictions and representing the citizens of Ceres.

5. This School Board consistently meets in closed session, discusses issues, make decisions behind closed doors, then appear in a public meeting to vote without open discussion. "Democracies die behind closed doors", says federal appeals court Judge Damon Keith. It is a statement applicable to this current School Board. Meetings are sparsely attended due to the lack of opportunity for meaningful public input or information.

6. This School Board has failed to deal responsibly with personnel issues concerning teachers. The Board has stumbled, even within their own ranks, censuring publicly a forthright school board member, who only sought to protect the public's right to know. This unwarranted action, which has been counterproductive, has created discord among staff and within the community.

7. The School Board has relinquished their decision-making authority to the Superintendent. A Board member has said publicly to Dr. Hanline at a board meeting. "You're the boss!" The job of the School Board is to oversee and direct the decisions of the Superintendent, not have the Superintendent direct them.

Your consideration of these facts is needed as candidates and issues are being evaluated. With the increasing population and escalating community needs, your thoughtful vote is the catalyst for the direction the future School Board will take our District. We believe the following candidates are ready to take the helm and lead the District into the future:

Jim Kinard___________Faye Lane_________Donald McKim

Paid for by the CUTA Political Action Committee
(209) 538-1609

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SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
--------------from the---------------
CALIFORNIA CHAPTER #140 CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
ENDORSES THESE CANDIDATES!

CSEA Ceres Chapter #140 has participated in the Candidate Endorsement Process as set forth in CSEA policies.

You can be sure that CSEA Members have been provided every opportunity to be fully involved in the Candidate Endorsement Process.

When you cast your ballot--either by mail, or at the polls on November 6th--consider the recommendation of the CSEA members who work in the Ceres Unified School District.

Who knows schools and school better than CSEA members?

Faye Lane--Retired Ceres School Secretary----Active CSEA Retiree Member

Donald McKim and Jim Kinard

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

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Building Industry Association of Central California

October 12,2007

Donald McKim
3553 Don Pedro Rd
Ceres, Ca. 95307

Dear Donald,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the Building Industry Association of Central California, I would like to thank you for participating in our endorsement process.

I am pleased to announce that our membership has voted to endorse your candidacy for Ceres Unified School District Governing Board.

Please keep us informed on the progress of your campaign, and any events that you may schedule between now and Election Day.

Very truly yours,

Kevin Stone
Government Relations Coordinator

1401 F Street, Suite 200 * Modesto, Ca. 95354 * 209-529-4531