Fillmore Unified School District

Trustees of the Fillmore Unified School District questioned two candidates who want to fill the vacant seat left by former Board Member David Dollar on the board Tuesday night.

The two applicants, Mike Saviers and Scott Lee, answered six questions from a list supplied by board members before a large crowd at the FUSD Headquarters. The process Tuesday started with an overview of District policy for making a provisional appointment. They then discussed the interview process and the questions.

The candidates were asked: Why do you think you are qualified to be a board member? Lee said he's a registered voter and has lived in Fillmore for quite a few years. His children attended Fillmore schools and he was involved in the Middle School Site Council. Saviers said he's lived here for nine years and has mid-management experience from his years in law enforcement. He retired from law enforcement and has worked as a substitute teacher in the elementary schools and was a school bus driver for two years.

Why do you want to be on the board? Saviers responded by saying that he's been a volunteer for the last seven years in youth sports and he likes to make a difference in children's lives. Lee said, “I'd like to help the board fill the gap until December. I haven't been away from the school board that long. I wouldn't have to be trained to be a board member.”

In light of challenges facing public education in California and specifically Fillmore, why are you interested in serving as a provisional board member for the next eight months. Lee answered, saying that he was a teacher for 23 years and he can relate to what is needed in the classroom. “I can work my way through the budget and try to work through this difficult time.” Saviers said, “I think it's a challenging time. I'd like to bring in some fresh ideas and help the board to meet the challenges here in Fillmore.

What do you feel will be the most critical issues that a board member will have to face in the next eight months and what will your priorities be during this time period? Saviers told the board that “I have three priorities. Negotiations with the Fillmore Teachers Association, trying to do more with less money without losing teachers.” His second priority has to with the security of the children. The third is to try and get more parent involvement. Lee said his number one priority is the morale of all administration, staff, the classified employees and the board. He also wants to keep what's going on out of the classroom, so that teachers and students can focus on student achievement.

This position will require attendance at a minimum of two meetings per month. In addition, there are other evening activities. Will you have any difficulty meeting this expectation? Lee said, “I'll be here if physically possible.” Saviers said he would have no problem with attending all the meetings. “I'm retired from law enforcement but I work full time in another job.

Do you have any concluding thoughts or comments you would like to share with the board? Saviers said, “I am a quick learner, a team player and can make a decision based on facts. I can bring fresh ideas to the board.” Lee said, “I congratulate Mike for being willing to take on this challenge, however I know it will be a difficult process.”

Board President Tony Prado asked Lee if he had ever been involved in having to fire someone, to which he replied, “Unfortunately yes.” Saviers said “I have never had to tell someone that they are fired.”

Board members Garnica and Prado agreed that they were both very good candidates for the position created by the resignation of board member David Dollar who moved out of the area. The board will announce their decision and swear-in the new member at the March 30 joint meeting with the City Council at 6:30 pm at City Hall.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush reported to the board that the expenditures have increased. He said there will be a $684,000 deficit for next year. “The cash flow in the general fund will be approximately $800,000 in the hole,” Bush said. He said they'll have to borrow from the County Treasurer to meet the June payroll. The State is again deferring payment, so the March payment will get here in June. He added, “We should be flush by July 4.”

The next meeting will be March 23, with a closed session at 5:15 pm and a Special Meeting at 6:00 pm.