Searching the APS website for information that was touted as “up to date” and in “real time” according to Colleen Tagle, the last entry on https://allin4ourkids.my.canva.site/aps-capital-construction#chaparral was the meeting announcement for the Chaparral Replacement Update to be held Oct 11, 2023. At the 1 hour and 3-minute mark into the APS Chaparral video, Tagle confessed the massive delay was “her fault”. Ms Tagle’s explanations of delays were challenged by Mr Stong, who was armed with statements from the Public School Facility Authority (PSFA) obtained through IPRA’s. After responding to serious statements conflicting with the official APS stance, it was obvious that APS and Tagle had been remiss in sharing factual information at School Board meetings. Had she informed the previous School Board of the information? Did the previous School Board even inquire as to the status? If they knew, why wasn’t the information made public? The article “What Went Wrong With The Chaparral Middle School Project – Part 1” includes correspondence to President Judy Rabon, on Sept 12, 2023, from Mr Stong who confronted Tagle at the meeting above. This information was sent to President Judy Rabon a month before the Chaparral Community meeting yet nothing of significance was done by the School Board, Supt Renteria, or Colleen Tagle.
Who was overseeing Colleen Tagle, her projects, and actions resulting in lawsuits? It is supposed to be the Superintendent. Supt Moore then Supt Renteria. Were they up to date on every action regarding the Chaparral Middle School building project? If not, why not? The building of a new replacement school involves millions of dollars and many steps. The School Board was supposed to be monitoring the progress. They signed a contract for the initial architectural services. The School Board was involved.
Why did the previous School Board allow this to happen? Why pretend the project disappeared by ignoring some very serious neglect in completing Chaparral or have plans completed to be able to put the project out for bid? This is our money. The community voted for GO bonds to be spent on Chaparral. Why were they negligent in reporting? What were they hiding? What do you call it when all communication to the community is halted on the progress or status of Chaparral?
Why isn’t Colleen Tagle being held accountable for her decisions and actions? Does Tagle’s resignation make all of the problems go away for her or the previous School Board and Superintendent? NO! Unless there has been a change, Colleen Tagle is still employed by APS but seemingly using her vacation/sick leave until Feb 15, 2024. If there is no accountability, anyone at APS can do anything and get away with it. Is that what the community wants? NO! Lots of money and time have been spent as the result of a delayed start of Chaparral. Is completion of Chaparral currently discussed? APS promised groundbreaking in 2021. That didn’t happen. Have we been “taken for a ride?” NOTHING has been resolved on this. NOBODY is held responsible. If nothing is said, no one will notice. Wake up!
Where are all of the documents? What is the status? How much has been spent to accomplish nothing? Is this THE reason or at least part of the reason for Tagle’s resignation? What about the accountability of Superintendent Renteria? She was Acting, Interim or permanent Superintendent for almost a year. Tagle’s big presentation, the unveiling of the new Chaparral was supposed to silence the community by making a big presentation involving multiple architectural firms. It convinced us that Chaparral was moving forward. They made the community into SUCKERS for believing the glittery words and presentations by all involved that night. Where was the previous School Board? Why didn’t they make anyone accountable? Or, did they know things had gone off the rails and not recoverable?
Maybe that is why the focus by all in APS changed to the outrageously expensive Dreamscape Hollywood VR system they purchased for 1.6 million dollars with continued yearly fees. The concept of Virtual Reality is one thing but a purchase of that magnitude is another when there are other options. A big splash was needed to distract from Chaparral. Currently, Supt Renteria is on Administrative Leave with pay pending an investigation of complaints. Deputy Supt Tagle is waiting out her notice of resignation effective Feb 15, 2024.
The lesson in all of this – ALL members of the community must keep our elected officials and schools accountable for their actions by speaking up. Although it appears parents, students, teachers, and employees have decided “what’s the point” of speaking up, it can make a difference. If the ones perpetrating this on the community believe no one is watching or caring about what they do, then actions get out of hand by the ones in power or leadership. We do not want a repeat.
The COMMUNITY is accountable as well. “See something Say something” applies here too! Never give up! Never surrender your right to speak up! Question everything. Do not let the issues be swept under the rug because it’s easier. Our silence and frustration are the reason this has been allowed to continue and grow to increased damage that is serious. People need to be made accountable for their actions and inactions. If the community wants a great education and district, EVERYONE must be involved. Don’t expect change by sitting by and ignoring the problems. Encourage the new School Board to insist on accountability and performance of duties to bring OUR schools to the greatness of prior years. We can take care of our issues. Every other district must take care of theirs. Let’s lead our state in achievement in education for all. Restore a healthy work environment. Place students on the best path to success. Support APS actions for better days. IT CAN BE DONE!
