TVUSD Good Governance February 2025 Report Card
1TVPAC Team
Dr. Melinda Anderson: Overall solid, but didn’t run the meeting well, agenda adjustments made the meeting hard to follow, voting wasn’t always done properly, called public comments 80% “piss and vinegar” and incorrectly accused Wiersma of calling Dr. Anderson a criminal. Melinda did apologize and was accountable for those two missteps, but she didn’t seem as prepared or run the meeting as well as we’ve seen in the past. Learning curve–she’s catching up a bit, but can get back on track quickly.
Emil Barham: Prepared, professional, focused on learning and students, however seems to be overreaching at times with the creation of additional sub-committees. Is this the most effective way to govern? Instead of kicking the can down the street to avoid confrontation, start meeting the issues head on and take votes.
Jennifer Wiersma: Struggled to focus on the job of trustee for most of the meeting, instead engaged in misinformation and lies, wasted time, argued and made petty attacks on other trustees (the opposite of trying to work together and find middle ground). Spent too much time nitpicking over small issues and not much focus and attention on issues that matter to the district. Stuck in the past, keeps harping on old issues and makes non-productive contributions.
Dr. Joseph Komrosky: Lied, disrespectful to others, constantly “corrected” Dr. Anderson on how to do the job as board president, often wrong in his interpretation of the rules and proper process. He put the “D” Grade item on the agenda without consulting with district staff about why the “no D” policy was enacted many years ago. Board members are expected to work with district experts before starting a lengthy discussion that wastes meeting time.
Steve Schwartz: Continues to put students first, reminding the board to avoid wasting money, and showing genuine effort to work well with other trustees. Steve demonstrates a forward focus and avoids dwelling on old issues or bringing up the past during meetings.
Grading Criteria:
Every month, we will publish the 1TVPAC Good Governance report card to evaluate TVUSD School Board trustees.
The grades are based on their behavior in the boardroom and outside (public events, training, social media, communication with constituents, etc.). The criteria include fiscal responsibility, given the upcoming budget shortfall, and the California School Board Association (CSBA) standards for effective trustees:
Keeps learning and achievement for all students as the primary focus
Values, supports and advocates for public education
Recognizes and respects differences of perspective and style on the board and among staff, students, parents and the community
Acts with dignity, and understands the implications of demeanor and behavior
Keeps confidential matters confidential
Participates in professional development and commits the time and energy necessary to be an informed and effective leader
Understands the distinctions between board and staff roles, and refrains from performing management functions that are the responsibility of the superintendent and staff
Understands that authority rests with the board as a whole and not with individuals.
