Dear Tim:
Congratulations on your election the school board. We learned for the first time that you were blind when you announced it in the December 23, 2016 issue of The Community Voice. You were quoted as saying: “I’ve been in denial about blindness but now I’ve been forced to deal with this. It’s an emotional process…accepting it.” This news, which was not disclosed during the campaign, is curious to many voters. We have some questions about the information floating around:
Since you were having difficulty coming to grips with your blindness, what steps did you take to prepare yourself to be on the school board?
Have you worked with any organizations that provide services for the blind?
Have you taken a class on the use of technology?
Do you walk with a cane or with a service animal?
Do you read braille?
There have been claims that after the election, the board president and district staff offered to help you. How long after the election did it take them to contact you?
Who did you meet with?
What help, if any, was offered?
It is reported that you were given a laptop by the district superintendent, is this true?
Was this helpful?
Did they offer any tech support?
One of the trustees offered in a public meeting to assist you and work with you on your transition to the board of trustees. Have you taken him up on that offer?
Have you met/emailed/had a phone conversation with him?
The school district released a press release which made several assertions. Can you tell us if they are true?
Were you offered a tour of the district along with introductions at every school site?
Did you tour any schools? If so, who joined you on your tours?
How were you treated by the principals?
We understand you attended the December 2016 California School Boards Association Conference in San Francisco. Who made the arrangements and paid for you to attend?
Where did you stay?
Were accommodations made for your vision impairment?
Were you invited to attend all of the events with the other four trustees who attended?
Did you learn anything at the conference that will help you in your new role?
You have talked about hiring an attorney to get you the help you need to do the job you were elected to do. Who will pay your attorney?
Have you started a legal fund?
What do you hope to accomplish?
What can voters who support you do to help you?
Thank you,
Your constituents
