tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post1402083040915872784..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Internal Auditor ResignsMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28246754153814482452010-12-19T23:26:52.167-08:002010-12-19T23:26:52.167-08:00Glad to see that High level staff at SPS read thes...Glad to see that High level staff at SPS read these blogs. People self report their behaviour through their statements. One can spot immaturity self reported by those who call others names. SPS people - one with access- let it go!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54910574358075713992010-12-09T23:36:39.714-08:002010-12-09T23:36:39.714-08:00This guy was a dufus.This guy was a dufus.The Real Arnoldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59505700600300290702010-12-09T16:46:34.320-08:002010-12-09T16:46:34.320-08:00The information on the internal page is a chart wi...The information on the internal page is a chart with a bunch of risk numbers per catagory. No specifics. Plus the "dialometer" slides presenting levels of risk and the amounts of those risks are extremely misleading. High Risk dial looks like a minor problem the way it is presented.<br />-one with accessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4036220649750331632010-12-09T10:07:00.801-08:002010-12-09T10:07:00.801-08:00Macharia, I couldn't get that URL to work.
I ...Macharia, I couldn't get that URL to work.<br /><br />I think it may be on the district's internal site which is password protected and not visible to the public.<br /><br />Hey, district staff, little help?Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15185717065103747972010-12-09T09:00:51.798-08:002010-12-09T09:00:51.798-08:00Look for department Plans shared with the Board of...Look for department Plans shared with the Board of Directors in the Insideseattleschools.org/area/internalauditor<br /><br />There are other reports in this same forum. This information was shared since 2008Machariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15890201181016491660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84416127261877190222010-12-09T07:55:11.934-08:002010-12-09T07:55:11.934-08:00Sorry to be cryptic but I just don't want to t...Sorry to be cryptic but I just don't want to tip off our friends at headquarters too much. Yes, I meant the internal auditor and this story is not going to end well. And it all happened on MGJ watch.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66142304455548520192010-12-08T23:20:40.690-08:002010-12-08T23:20:40.690-08:00Kathy, total cost of travel isn't easy to tell...Kathy, total cost of travel isn't easy to tell from just looking at the spreadsheet, as it adds and subtracts things as they get billed to different budgets. And some are legitimate things such as a teacher chaperone on a field trip, things that would be reimbursed properly from different accounts. I just haven't had the time to play with it, but perhaps someone else can.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35835948567917311762010-12-08T21:17:19.036-08:002010-12-08T21:17:19.036-08:00@Melissa: What do you mena by this:
"There i...@Melissa: What do you mena by this:<br /><br />"There is more here than meets the eye. I'm not sure about the messenger but I think I can read the message."<br /><br />"the messenger"? Who are you talking about? The auditor that quit?Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341427446081103440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33128903724381570312010-12-08T21:03:58.318-08:002010-12-08T21:03:58.318-08:00I wonder if this will impact the currently listed ...I wonder if this will impact the currently listed <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/area/jobop/index.xml" rel="nofollow">positions</a> (like the Board Manager and Administrator)?Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18444916440000921599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40899547242476384432010-12-08T20:51:41.218-08:002010-12-08T20:51:41.218-08:00Oh, but the freeze might KEEP TFA out! They don...Oh, but the freeze might KEEP TFA out! They don't have certificates. Yet.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81650346563579036152010-12-08T20:50:48.762-08:002010-12-08T20:50:48.762-08:00@G -
The hiring freeze does not effect school-base...@G -<br />The hiring freeze does not effect school-based certificated hring:<br /><br />"•School based certificated positions are exempt from the freeze."<br /><br />So I'm not sure this would have an affect on the TFA rigamaroleseattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17345706540542962672010-12-08T19:34:16.286-08:002010-12-08T19:34:16.286-08:00Why does this hiring freeze seem to have TFA writt...Why does this hiring freeze seem to have TFA written all over it? More open positions to fill next school year. It just seems crafty to me.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12152220985400838255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89952571685654577592010-12-08T19:19:29.317-08:002010-12-08T19:19:29.317-08:00Dorothy,
What was the total cost of travel expendi...Dorothy,<br />What was the total cost of travel expenditures?Kathynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29986318600548846812010-12-08T18:23:56.264-08:002010-12-08T18:23:56.264-08:00After the 17% fiasco, these folks have no credibil...After the 17% fiasco, these folks have no credibility. MGJ should cut the fat from her failed Strategic Plan and overpriced "executive management team", before cutting one red cent from the classroom.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84574174583669376152010-12-08T18:15:53.497-08:002010-12-08T18:15:53.497-08:00Nevermind -- FY runs from Sept. 01 to Aug. 31.Nevermind -- FY runs from Sept. 01 to Aug. 31.StepJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11375599834945035820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15542644213586733722010-12-08T18:02:14.743-08:002010-12-08T18:02:14.743-08:00It says the hiring freeze is in effect until the e...It says the hiring freeze is in effect until the end of the fiscal year. Does the SPS fiscal year end on Dec. 31 of 2010 - or is their fiscal year different from the calendar year?<br /><br />If the fiscal year is the same as the calendar year then there will only be a hiring freeze until Dec. 31 - correct?StepJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11375599834945035820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81577324336649273172010-12-08T17:25:56.911-08:002010-12-08T17:25:56.911-08:00Exceptions to Hiring Freeze
We are aware that a h...Exceptions to Hiring Freeze <br />We are aware that a hiring freeze may be especially burdensome for some positions and departments, so we have created an exception process. Exceptions to the hiring freeze include positions required by contract, positions associated with safety concerns, and positions where it can be demonstrated that an “extreme need” exists. Steps in the process include:1.Complete the form, “Request for Hiring Freeze Exemption” located at: http://inside.seattleschools.org/area/humanresources/formshr/HiringException.pdf.<br />2.Get approval and signature from your division director.<br />3.Send the approved request form to Human Resources, attention of Ann Chan, Chief Talent Officer<br />4.Susan Enfield, Chief Academic Officer, and Don Kennedy, Chief Financial and Operating Officer will review requests for exceptions.<br />5.Requests for exceptions will be reviewed each Friday. <br />If you have any questions, please contact your HR analyst. <br />SPENDING FREEZE<br />This freeze applies to discretionary expenditures in non-grant Central Support Department and Program budgets. Self Help budgets are excluded from this at this time. The Spending Freeze does not apply to Schools, Grants, School ASB funds, Trust funds or Capital Project funds.<br /><br />Discretionary spending is defined as all non-salaried employee costs and includes:<br />•Hire of new hourly (temporary) employees<br />•Authorization of non-contractually mandated employee Over Time/Extra Time<br />•Personal Service Contracting<br />•Purchase of non-essential supplies, furniture and equipment<br />•Extended/Out of District travel not already approved<br />•Substitutes for central departments<br />Until the Spending Freeze is lifted, Central Business Offices; Accounting, Payroll, Purchasing and Human Resources, have been directed to return all requisitions, contract submissions, and hire forms dated on or after December 9th. <br />Exceptions: Departments and programs may continue to order basic supplies and materials from the Central Warehouse using the B2B system as well as submit local travel reimbursements.<br /><br />Exemption Process for Spending Freeze: Waivers for critical exemptions to this freeze must include:<br />•A one paragraph narrative of why the exemption is critically needed<br />•The amount and funding source of the function or item requested for exemption<br />•Signed by director level in support of the request<br />•Submit waivers to: Duggan Harman for approval<br />• Requests for exemption will be reviewed each Friday<br /><br />Employee Overtime/Extra: Any non-contractually mandated overtime incurred after December 10th has to be approved before the overtime is worked. <br />Requests have to be made on the overtime request form, located at: http://inside.seattleschools.org/area/budget/index.html<br />•The request has to be approved and signed by the requestor’s division director<br />• Submit signed requests forms to Duggan Harman, Executive Director of Finance, for approval<br />•Requests for overtime will be reviewed each Friday<br />• The payroll department will notify requestors via e-mail if the request has been approved or denied.<br />We know that these measures impact our employees, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding of the need to take this action. Thank you for your continued commitment to Seattle Public Schools and to our students.<br /><br />###<br />~so tired of it, tooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90336413570800079282010-12-08T17:24:18.015-08:002010-12-08T17:24:18.015-08:00Here's the attachment:
Superintendent’s Admin...Here's the attachment:<br /><br />Superintendent’s Administrative Bulletin <br />2011:1To:Don Kennedy, Chief Financial and Operating Officer<br />Susan Enfield, Chief Academic Officer<br />Ann Chan, Chief Talent Officer<br />Cc:Executive Management Team<br />From:Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson<br />Re:Immediate FY 10-11 Hiring/Spending Freeze<br />Date: December 8, 2010<br />We are currently in the process of developing the general operating fund budget for the 2011-2012 school year. As we do so, we prioritize activities that contribute to accelerating academic progress for all students, while at the same time being responsive to the current financial issues that both the school district and the state face.<br /><br />Effective immediately the Human Resources Department will implement a hiring freeze of all non-grant and non-capital district positions to outside applicants. We will let you know when the hiring freeze is lifted. Also, a spending freeze will be put in place until further notice. Implementation of both strategies is for the purpose of restraining costs so as to reduce budget reductions in fiscal year 2011-12. Non-compliance with the provisions of this bulletin is subject to appropriate disciplinary actions. This accountability is especially critical because of two reasons: (1) the severe financial condition of the district, and (2) to adhere to the State Audit Office’s recommendation that district employees comply with district policies and procedures.<br />HIRING FREEZE<br />•Positions currently in the hiring process or advertisement phase will be filled by displaced employees and substitutes until the hiring freeze is lifted. Some positions may go unfilled.<br />Some positions, due to existing contract provisions, are exempt from the hiring freeze. These include positions required to be filled by collective bargaining agreements.<br />•Classified SEA represented positions will be filled by substitutes in lieu of regular classified personnel and after 60 consecutive workdays in the same assignment, substitutes will receive medical, dental, and vision benefits. <br />•Positions that are exempt per the I-609 contract will not be impacted by the hiring freeze. <br />•School based certificated positions are exempt from the freeze.<br />... more in next post<br /> <br />~so tired of it, tooAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13839051373303865472010-12-08T16:51:07.923-08:002010-12-08T16:51:07.923-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11862559795514611222010-12-08T16:31:41.292-08:002010-12-08T16:31:41.292-08:00I have a spreadsheet of all travel for last FY (op...I have a spreadsheet of all travel for last FY (open records request) but I haven't had time to analyze it.<br /><br />Anyone want a copy, please send me an email and I will be happy to oblige.<br /><br />Short answer: there was a lot of travel. Some school based and justifiable, but by no means all.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27060579709309576552010-12-08T14:28:20.572-08:002010-12-08T14:28:20.572-08:00What hiring freeze? Dorothy and I got a handout l...What hiring freeze? Dorothy and I got a handout last night that really calls into question that claim of cutting positions and hiring freezes. Ditto on the so-called travel freeze.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20794014034677781432010-12-08T14:12:56.972-08:002010-12-08T14:12:56.972-08:00It would be useful to coordinate the (inevitable) ...It would be useful to coordinate the (inevitable) PDRs re: this mattermirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44504288825243865592010-12-08T13:54:10.699-08:002010-12-08T13:54:10.699-08:00If anyone has additional information regarding Mr....If anyone has additional information regarding Mr. Nduru's efforts to provide information to the appropriate parties within SPS and would like a public forum to share this information, please e-mail me at dora.taylor@gmail.com.<br /><br /><a href="http://seattleducation2010.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Seattle Education 2010</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70112928091147877812010-12-08T13:33:13.942-08:002010-12-08T13:33:13.942-08:00From: Kennedy, Donald R
Sent: Wednesday, December ...From: Kennedy, Donald R<br />Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2010 12:04 PM<br />Subject: FY 2011/2012 Budget Update #2 - Hiring & Spending Freeze Details<br /><br /> <br /><br />Dear Seattle Schools Staff Members,<br /><br />The attached Superintendent’s Administrative Bulletin gives details regarding <b><i>the freeze we have placed on hiring and spending for the remainder of this fiscal year.</i></b> It is similar to the action we took last year as the first of a number of strategies we will use to effectively handle the budget problems that we face. As we get more information on how the state’s budget and the economy will impact Seattle Schools next year we will respond with additional strategies.<br /><br />As you read the bulletin I ask that you pay particular attention to the statements concerning non-compliance and accountability in the second paragraph. As stated in the bulletin, compliance with the requirements of the bulletin is critical to help ensure we address the district’s budget difficulties and that we adhere to the State Audit recommendations requiring employees to comply with district policies and procedures.<br /><br />I realize that freezing hiring and spending can place a burden on our efforts to accomplish the work we have been tasked to perform. However, the dollars that we save this year will go towards protecting jobs for next year. For instance, the similar measure we undertook last year resulted in<br /><br />$5 million in savings, which were used to offset the budget gap. Had we not realized this $5 million of savings, we would have had to lay off approximately 65 more people in order to balance the budget. I ask for your support in implementing these measures as we work towards finding solutions to our budget problems.<br /><br />Sincerely, Don Kennedy<br /><br />Chief Financial and Operations Officerdan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31628779349293935042010-12-08T12:01:20.804-08:002010-12-08T12:01:20.804-08:00"What difference does it make?"
Two wor..."What difference does it make?"<br /><br />Two words: Plausible Deniability. If Mr. Nderu was not doing his job, then all kinds of people can say, "We didn't have ANY IDEA this was wrong? Our Ethics Officer never told us, so you can't blame us!" If he was doing his job, then they have no such excuse. <br /><br />Of course, if he did do his job and write things down, then it is in management's interest to quash any release of documents. Without documents, it would be difficult to prove whether he wasn't doing the job, or was and not writing things down per counsel's recommendation, or was and documents are hidden in a man-sized safe.<br /><br />For the record, I don't know that I've ever had contact with Mr. Nderu, and I don't know at all whether he was doing what he should or not. I was just trying to answer the "does it matter" question.Eric Bnoreply@blogger.com