We've had a couple of lengthy threads about the situations at BHS here, here and all the way back to Di Yim's arrival here. Now I have received a guest-authored piece from Glenn Mendelson who is quite well known around town as noted here. I'll let Glenn speak for himself, although I did shorten it a bit!
I have lived in this community for over 55 years and worked here since 1977 with my family’s business, Lee Mendelson Film Productions. Over the years, I have served this community as President of the Burlingame Homeowners’ Association, trustee for the Peninsula Health Care District and President of the Burlingame Lions Club. I am a former Burlingame High School graduate (class of 1973).
Kevin Nelson, long time teacher at Burlingame High School, may be forced to leave because of conflicts with the administration, specifically with the new principal who has resigned. This is devastating for the students at Burlingame High. For 27 years, Mr. Nelson has been an excellent teacher, innovative administrator, and mentor to hundreds of past and present students. He has taught AP Economics, Government and History, built the Gate program, and inspired so many that it is outrageous to think that anyone would want to transfer him to another school or think that it’s in the best interest of BHS students. Transferring such a beloved and excellent teacher, mentor and student advocate is a tragic disservice to the BHS community and institution.
Mr. Nelson has been such an inspirational force that Uma Krishnan, last year’s valedictorian at BHS and current freshman at UC Berkeley, created an online petition to rally the community to appeal the transfer decision. With almost 2,500 signatures of unwavering support for Mr. Nelson to remain at BHS, students, parents and alumni are asking themselves why Superintendent Skelly and the SMUHSD Board of Trustees remain silent about their decision to transfer him.
Although 2,500 signatures should be enough to show how much he is appreciated, support for Mr. Nelson is far greater than the public realizes. Many students, parents and even teachers have personally told me that they are afraid of retaliation if they speak for Mr. Nelson or against the school administration.
When I attended BHS from 1969-1973, the teachers were excellent. However, when my children attended BHS several years ago, there were some teachers who shouldn’t have been teaching there at all. The problem isn’t with Mr. Nelson. We should be looking somewhere else. Some students and parents are starting to speak up about those who really hurt the BHS environment and should go instead of Mr. Nelson. It’s time to speak up and let yourselves be heard!
Glenn is rallying parents to add to the pressure of 2,379 petition signers that you can see here. One of the ironies I see here is we often hear about teachers who cannot afford to live in Burlingame. Many believe that having teachers who live in town add a lot to the community by being seen at the grocery stores, athletic fields, parades, and other events, yet here we have one perhaps being told to leave the local school. One can only hope common sense prevails.
Guys, listen, this is really a shame. If such poor judgment is being exercised on the part of SMUSD, what other bad decisions are they making? Bruce Dickinson would strongly suggest this to protect our HS, community values, and education for our children and generations thereafter: A secession of Burlingame HS from SMUSD!
While one may be skeptical, this has precedence in other parts of California. Burlingame can go on its own, or get Aragon and/or Mills to also sign up, if they want to. I wouldn't be surprised there are other dissatisfied parents in the SMUSD.
This would get a lot of support from my friends in Hillsborough, who would like to see more direct community control over their local schools. The very threat of a school seceding, particularly one that has high attendance (which begets state $$) and serving a wealthy upper middle class and upper class community, will get their attention, fast. This may cause some "rethinking" on the part of SMUSD, to put it mildly.
Like I always say, when engaged in a tug of war, the way to really change things, is that you just gotta cut the rope! We live in the 21st century, so time to use to disruption tactics that Silicon Valley is so well known for. Time to become disrupters! Don't say that Bruce Dickinson doesn't explore the space, if ya know what I mean?
Posted by: Bruce Dickinson | February 26, 2016 at 04:14 PM
Mr. Mendelson,
California's schools and many state's schools are not nearly as good as they used to be - due to a fundamental shift in the values of Americans.
We have become very selfish and lazy.
Adults have become only concerned about themselves in the current moment.
They'd rather focus on making a buck more for themselves now (make-work projects and financially unsustainable gov't policies), vs. voting in more prudent, long term policy makers.
They'd rather focus on what they want to do when they get home from work vs. on helping and tutoring the children.
And meanwhile, parents have the biggest impact on their children, not the children's teachers.
And meanwhile, teachers and other workers get suckered and coerced into letting crony Socialists run their careers and their schools - and thus running your children.
All people need to turn off the TV and get back to basic, proven values that we've neglected for too long.
Let's all turn out focus back to our children and to our working with our neighbors and community to be safe, happy, wise and successful.
Posted by: proven values | February 26, 2016 at 04:50 PM
1. Burlingame is not Mayberry RFD
2. The "Educator" mentioned has by far exceeded an "expiration date."
(That is a whole different conversation.)
I am not insulting this person.
3.Hillsborough Public School students get basically a "Free- Best in the US" education. FREE.
Posted by: hollyroller@hotwire.com | February 26, 2016 at 06:05 PM
I really like the idea-- when engaged in a tug of war, the way to really change things, is that you just gotta cut the rope
That is orignal and worthy of some thinking.
Posted by: resident | February 26, 2016 at 07:54 PM
The guy isn't out of a job. If he's so fantastic, then he can continue to be a great teacher at Mills or Cap or Aragon or San Mateo. Not like he's losing any pension or benefits with this transfer.
Posted by: HMB | February 27, 2016 at 09:17 AM
Here's an update courtesy of the DJ:
Burlingame High School teacher Kevin Nelson said he will not be allowed to teach next year at the school where he has educated students for nearly three decades, under a decision by district officials.
Nelson said he is still uncertain to which district campus he will be transferred, but he was informed by Kevin Skelly, superintendent of the San Mateo Union High School District, during a meeting Thursday, Feb. 25, he will not return to his classroom in Burlingame.
An attorney has been hired by the district teachers union to represent Nelson and investigate legal avenues to keep him at the school, he said.
Nelson said it is frustrating facing transfer from a community which has been so supportive.
“One of the biggest things that angers me about leaving the high school is that we have built this community,” he said. “I’m part of it, and now I’m being taken out.”
---the whole piece is here: http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2016-02-27/popular-teacher-wont-return-to-burlingame-kevin-nelson-remains-uncertain-of-where-he-will-teach-next-year/1776425159170.html
Posted by: Joe | February 27, 2016 at 06:01 PM
Hollyroller... As "Educator" we are not talking about an elementary school teacher who refuses to use email. The Educator outperforms his peers and is sought out by students and parents alike. Quality economics teachers are either teaching college or working in finance. Replacing the level of quality will be a challenge.
Mendelson nailed it. "The problem isn’t with Mr. Nelson. We should be looking somewhere else. Some students and parents are starting to speak up about those who really hurt the BHS environment and should go instead of Mr. Nelson. It’s time to speak up and let yourselves be heard!"
The poison at BHS comes from a small group of teachers who believe that they are empowered to do as they please. This group has damaged students, slandered, and retaliated against those who report them. They are the poison.
The names of the offending teachers roll off the lips of parents without hesitation.
Murphy and Karshan are the topics of conversation among the organized parents right now. These two have been doing the most damage to students.
The parents fear the retaliation against their students as these teachers control student grades and the path to college. It is a clear form of abuse and it needs to be stopped. Principal Yim “got in bed” with these teachers and that is why they have been protected. Yim is now gone and the rats are scared.
If Skelly has any integrity he would listen to those who are telling the truth and deal with the situation.
Board member Land is the only one with clean hands in this mess. He was not on the Board when these issues started.
“We are interested in making Burlingame an even better school in the coming years,” he said. “And we feel strongly the best days of the school are ahead.”
If Skelly believes that the best days of BHS are ahead, then he needs to bring in an external investigation (SM Grand Jury) to find out what has been going on inside of BHS. It’s a personnel issue… and some of the personnel need to be fired.
Sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Posted by: Doe1 | February 27, 2016 at 06:03 PM
I hate gutless people that post, but won't put their name on it. GUTLESS COWARDS.
Posted by: Steve Kassel | February 27, 2016 at 10:59 PM
BTW, I get in trouble plenty for my comments, but you never ever have to doubt who said it. If I say something I ALWAYS put my name to it. Of course, Ms. Yim doesn't believe that.
Posted by: Steve Kassel | February 27, 2016 at 11:04 PM
Listen, Steve-O, call the posters on this site here any-name you want, reality is, and this may burst your idealism, you ain't gonna change online behavior any easier than it will be to convince someone the world is flat! Let's get real here, do you know how human behavior really works? Much better to spend your energy in a worthwhile manner that may actually change something, to wit, discussing, exposing, and debating the issues at hand. If ya got something to say, then say it! The only thing really accomplished when you think about it, is making yourself feel better and taking up website space. The people that you call "cowards" will continue to do with what they're doing and ignore empty "challenges" to them that have zero ramifications, to put it mildly. If it's such a critical issue, as you think it is, the editors could easily require that everyone use their real name and do a background check to verify. But they don't. And the reason is: it doesn't matter.
Bruce Dickinson, despite my notoriety and using the Dickinson name to get things done in the community either on this site, on the horn, and in face-to-face conversations to get things done. I don't get hung up on such details but instead focus on the content and efficacy of persuasion. Remember, kids at home, focusing energy on non-productive activities only takes up mental bandwidth that should instead be reserved for activities that enhance your well being and success. Take it from me, you don't get to what I accomplished by hyper focusing on things that are not in your control. You can take that advice right to the bank if ya know what I mean!
Posted by: Bruce Dickinson | February 28, 2016 at 08:52 AM
Here, here! I would add that we get a clearer more pointed set of comments. But if Steve wants to keep wasting keystrokes that is his business.
Nelson should be allowed to stay. No doubt the principal had issues and he was the canary. We need canaries.
Posted by: hillsider | February 28, 2016 at 05:53 PM
Can someone tell me in plain English why this man has been removed.
What did he do? I am very puzzled?
What happened? I am not in the public school loop and am curious about the whole behind the scene story.
Pray tell. Thanks
Posted by: Samiselfie | February 28, 2016 at 06:02 PM
I would like to add one question to the above post:
What was the Dance Routine that the principal at BHS did?
Only the facts.
The answer to these questions should only require one sentence each.
Then we can expand.
Posted by: hollyroller@hotwire.com | February 28, 2016 at 07:38 PM
She danced on the football field with a bunch of student boys and their boxes to this song
"Dick In A Box"
(feat. Justin Timberlake)
Hey girl I got somethin' real important to give you
So just sit down and listen
Girl you know we've been together such a long long time (such a long time)
And now I'm ready to lay it on the line
(Wooow) You know it's Christmas and my heart is open wide
Gonna give you something so you know what's on my mind
A gift real special, so take off the top
Take a look inside -- it's my dick in a box
Not gonna get you a diamond ring
That sort of gift don't mean anything
Not gonna get you a fancy car
Girl ya gotta know you're my shining star
Not gonna get you a house in the hills
A girl like you needs somethin' real
Wanna get you somethin' from the heart
Somethin' special girl
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box babe
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box girl
See I'm wise enough to know when a gift needs givin' (yeah)
And I got just the one, somethin' to show ya that you are second to none
To all the fellas out there with ladies to impress
It's easy to do just follow these steps
1: Cut a hole in a box
2: Put your junk in that box
3: Make her open the box
And that's the way you do it
It's my dick in a box... my dick in a box babe
It's my dick in a box, my dick in a box girl
Christmas; dick in a box
Hanukkah; dick in a box
Kwanzaa; a dick in a box
Every single holiday a dick in a box
Over at your parent's house a dick in a box
Mid day at the grocery store a dick in a box
Backstage at the CMA's a dick in a box (yeah-wow-wow-wow-wow-wow)
a dick in a box...
Posted by: Mom | February 28, 2016 at 08:32 PM
How was this allowed to get this far?
Posted by: Amanda | February 28, 2016 at 10:32 PM
Holy Cow!
Posted by: hollyroller@hotwire.com | February 29, 2016 at 07:09 AM
Here is the link to the video. The student who recoded it posted it to another site.
https://sendvid.com/t361grol
The following has been collected from other areas:
At the 3:00 minute mark in the video, the music from the song, "Dick in a Box" was pumped over the PA system for the student body and parents in the stands.
The boys then place the presents over their genital area and as BHS Principal enters the field. The administrator then dances with the boys to the song, "Dick in a Box."
At 3:30 minutes, the Principal's "bump and grind" dance routine and gyrations of the teen boys to the song "Dick in a Box" are highly inappropriate for a school setting where students are required to be in attendance.
At 3:50 minutes, the boys behind the Principal begin simulated sex thrusting moves in unison with her dancing.
Why is the district taking ANY action against Nelson?
In the Daily Journal and via facebook posts, Nelson claims that Yim retaliated against him for reporting her for the dance.
SMUHSD Board--- What are you thinking?
Posted by: Dick in the Box | February 29, 2016 at 04:31 PM
Is it true that this "educator" is employed at BHS?
Posted by: hollyroller@hotwire.com | February 29, 2016 at 05:33 PM
The central dancer is the high school principal.
After Nelson reported the dance, Principal Yim filed a disciplinary action against him in retaliation for reporting her.
She was fired "resigned" two weeks ago. There is turmoil on the campus and the Superintendent is transferring Nelson to another school.
The Board has lost its direction if they are going to let Nelson go for reporting this kind of conduct. WTF is going on over there?
How many other crazies are BHS that we don't know about?
Posted by: Dick in the Box | February 29, 2016 at 06:33 PM
The central problems are the teacher's union HQ and their zealots that terrorize Burlingame with their "Maximum Affirmative Action" hypocritical racism and sexism and personal attacks and lies against anyone that has a different perspective.
The result is a sick Frankenstein state government which includes our public schools which leads to irrational and inappropriate policies and actions.
Infested are the basic, wholesome values that many of us grew up with. People like the Principal should have been a doctor, attorney or scientist, but it takes a charismatic and empathic and non partisan leader to be the head of a high school.
You get what you vote for.
Posted by: Empathy, charisma and nonpartisan respect were void... | February 29, 2016 at 08:48 PM
I was one of the many community members who attended the last SMUHSD meeting. I am a person who has known Kevin Nelson first as an active community member then, later, as my sons' AP Econ teacher. He also was their GATE advisor and went above and beyond the call of duty in that role. He is a gifted educator, community leader, role model, mentor and advocate for our BHS kids. What is happening here is, plain and simple, a crime. This is wrong on so many levels, I can't even begin to describe it. Kevin Nelson changes lives. He inspires. We all talk about injustice. Kevin Nelson's removal from Burlingame High School defines the word...
Posted by: Cathy Baylock | February 29, 2016 at 09:41 PM
Skelly better watch himself. It is best not to mess with Madame Ex-Mayor.
Posted by: Duck | February 29, 2016 at 10:08 PM
To the small group of BHS teachers who are holding the school hostage... your slip is showing.
This issue has created significant conversation in the community about what is really happening inside of BHS.
A pole dancing principal should be enough to get the School Board's attention, but the Board approved her for another year knowing this event took place.
Parents are talking about issues involving their students that they thought to be an embarrassing story like cheating, only to find out they were the target of a BHS teacher.
Many of the culprits are in the English Department, a group who bashes students regularly and prides itself on stealing student recognition as Valedictorian on a yearly basis. The grade of B+ in English steals the top honor.
How many times has that happened? Chance?... it has been exposed.
Its time the Board takes action and expose what is happening inside BHS.
English teacher Shane Karshan accuses a teen boy of cheating each year around November. The accusation is very public and shameful. The teacher makes sure that the accusation is well known. Karshan has little self-esteem and uses the situation to scare off the other students and parents who might be looking for higher grads. At least three parents have communicated that they were the victims of this scam. In each situation, the parents had to hire a lawyer to correct the problem and salvage their child's grade and emotions.
Melissa Murphy is another piece of work. Murphy hates teen boys and shames students on a regular basis. Murphy fears parents and lashes out at students. Murphy is unstable and the students know it. The list of issues involving Murphy is long and embarrassing.
The BHS administration and SMUHSD Board are well aware of these issues and have done nothing.
What did you expect from the "Dick in the Box" Lady?
These are also the people who will select the next leader at BHS. They want someone who will allow them to continue their practices.
This problem is far from solved.
These people being rewarded for bad behavior.
Posted by: Observer | March 01, 2016 at 08:16 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Consider the school district board leadership...
Didn't Jerry Hill publicly scold them for disrespecting public dissenting perspectives and acting like rude bullies?
http://www.smuhsd.org/board
Why do you keep electing and reelecting partisan, close minded, back stabbing zealots?
Don't dare question these folks or they will try to back stab and blacklist you.
The pursuit of excellence and community should be the priority at any great school. Take your time to get to the know the candidates next time.
Posted by: Empathy, charisma and nonpartisan respect were void... | March 01, 2016 at 08:42 AM
Three spots on the SMUHSD Board of Trustees will be up for election in November 2017. If we don't like what the Board is doing, I strongly suggest finding some good candidates to run for the seats.
Posted by: Steve Kassel | March 01, 2016 at 11:34 AM