Measure J — A matter of trust

Editor,

Before anyone supports PUSD’s money-grab initiative, Measure J, understand there is much more to know about this district than what they want anyone to be aware of. This district has proven time and again to be untrustworthy and deceptive when it comes to dealing with the public and their questions. Not only have they purposely lied to myself and others when questioned about their actions, they have also proven to be unaccountable with money that has been donated for district purposes.

This district was responsible for oversight of an Ag Foundation that received a donation in the sum of $250,000 a few years back from a local family; this donation was given to support the students of the agriculture department at Porterville High School. My understanding is that the majority of that money has never been openly accounted for to this day and the district won’t audit those who know.

Several district officials, community members, and even past and current board members served on the Ag Foundation board of directors and are all tight-lipped as well.

The former Ag staff at PHS requested the district to have the Ag Foundation audited two years ago, only to be retaliated against by PUSD and have a sham audit perpetrated on them instead.

If this district can’t openly and honestly discuss what happened to $250,000 they were responsible to oversee, how can they be trusted to spend $90 million on things that the kids really need?

 During my time as a member of the PHS Ag advisory committee I have seen how this district robs Peter to pay Paul and railroads teachers who question PUSD actions.
Don’t think for a second they won’t move money around to spend it on things they aren’t being honest about when it comes to this bond.

Whether you vote for this bond or not, it should be more of a question of trust, rather than need.

Jordan Parsons
Porterville