Avery, CA…Dear Editor, I am writing to express my serious concerns and dissatisfaction with the VTA’s conduct during the current school board election cycle. As a board member, I am appalled by how you have represented the association.
First, holding a candidate’s night for all three board positions when only one seat is up for re-election is not only unnecessary but also undermines the integrity of the process. Endorsing Katheryn Eustis, who missed the candidate’s night and has not attended any school board meetings or events in the last two years, further discredits the VTA’s endorsements and raises questions about your judgment.
Additionally, your decision to publicly announce VTA’s endorsements at the October 16th School Board meeting was completely inappropriate. It publicly humiliated the dedicated incumbent board member, Jodi Sledge, and demonstrated a lack of professionalism that is unacceptable for any association.
This behavior is not what our community expects from the VTA, and it damages the trust we have worked hard to build. I urge you to reconsider your approach and conduct the association’s business with the professionalism it deserves.
Tim Bottomley
VSUD Board Member
VUSD Board Member Has Concerns about the VTA ~ Letter to the Editor by Tim Bottomley added by admin on
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Local Schoolboards are just a jumping on spot for MAGA and its planned taking over of America. Kind of like Boards of Supervisors around the state. Right Autumn?
Wow…..Make America Great Again is a bad thing? how ignorant, since America is being destroyed from within..
Ralph Emerson
To your point, MAGA, or whatever you want to call citizens concerned about America and the run away BS that goes for school boards to Washington DC, we are sick of you Libtards, go cry me a River!
Fact checks for you:
“holding a candidate’s night for all three board positions when only one seat is up for re-election” False. Three positions are up for re-election.
“Katheryn Eustis, who missed the candidate’s night and has not attended any school board meetings or events in the last two years” a group can choose to endorse someone for whatever reason they want. Maybe it is based on Kathryn’s (correct spelling is Kathryn) years of service to the community in other roles and the skills and knowledge she will bring to the board?
“your decision to publicly announce VTA’s endorsements at the October 16th School Board meeting was completely inappropriate” Why is it inappropriate? The candidates were all contacted privately well before the meeting. VTA tells what they have done as an organization since the previous meeting at every board meeting. Voting to endorse candidates is one of the things that happened.
“it damages the trust we have worked hard to build” would it to be more trustworthy to not mention that they chose to endorse the candidates? How is giving straight forward information a violation of trust and unprofessional?
Tim Bottomley
VSUD Board Member (you are actually a board member for VUSD, but fortunately not for long)
VUSD can endorse whoever they want. Tim’s letter to the Editor implies VUSD should fall in line.
I used to date Randi Weingarten but my 1/2 incher was to small for her so she left me for a another woman, Sniveler
Wow! Thanks for to whomever replied with the FACT CHECKS! Looks like Mr. Bottomly is just bitter that “his candidate/friend” wasn’t endorsed. Now he is trying to intimidate and cyberbully the teachers for not endorsing his candidate. Enough with the cyberbullying. It’s a vote by 30+ teachers. Let’s stop this divisive rhetoric. Support our teachers.
I aint had no book lurnin’.
Anteye
But sniveler brown eye got nailed this morning…,,,
Harris/Elmer Fudd Walz 2024
Georgia I won’t be needing 11,780 votes this time, I’ve got this, Donald J. Trump…,,,
I do not feel it is unusual for the VTA to announce their endorsement at the VUSD board meeting since they always make a report on their activities at board meetings. Also, no board member should be attempting to intimidate the VTA, which has the right to act separately from the board and board members. I remember that Kathryn applied when Bottomley applied for appointment to a vacant position and after many tied voted, she was gracious enough to withdraw as a candidate so the voting could end, so Bottomley got that position by default.
Kathryn is an outstanding member of our community and is well deserving of the VTA endorsement. Her experience working for the county office of education speaks for itself! Prior travel plans hindered her ability to attend the candidates night, but her well written responses to each question speak to her skills and focus on giving back to students and our community. Vote Kathryn Eustis!
Where are her written responses to the questions from candidates night? The public hasn’t seen them.
Right! Tim Bottomley was never elected by the people, supported by the teachers, or truly appointed by the Board for the open position. He only got it because Kathryn withdrew to prevent further division. Tim, your disdain for unions is clear, but our teachers will not be bullied or coerced to “reconsider” as you suggest. Do not abuse your power in this way. Why not try to say or do something helpful for the district (VUSD, not VSUD as you signed!) and engage in dialog at a Board Meeting? You are literally just a warm seat.
Kathryn on the other hand, has YEARS of experience at the County Office of Education, is more knowledgeable than the other candidate, more in line with the district’s vision, and is trusted and respected by the teachers.
How dare you call out the teachers as “unprofessional” for disagreeing with your candidate choice! YOU are behaving very unprofessionally and dishonorably! What an embarrassment!
You are aware that Jodi Sledge was a part of writing the districts visions and goals, right? So how does she not align with them? That is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. Now your facts!
*know
If the teachers didn’t announce their decision to endorse candidates after candidates night and a union vote, then what’s the purpose of the whole thing? Of course they need to announce it! The endorsement is meant to sway and appeal to voters who want to support the best candidate. Our community reveres and overwhelmingly respects our VUSD teachers and your attack is such a bad move. You should be ashamed. So glad VUSD elections are coming and thank you for not running for a position.
.
Two years ago, a teacher shared in the Calaveras Enterprise that “90% of life is showing up.” Out of five invited candidates, only three attended the forum, leading to the VTA endorsing those who were present. While the VTA has every right to make their endorsements, it’s concerning when their process doesn’t reflect the fairness we’ve come to expect.
The timing and manner of their announcement at a public board meeting, where only two candidates were present, including a sitting board member running unopposed, raised questions. It would have been more respectful to consider the impact on Jodi Sledge, who has consistently supported teachers in their pursuit of better policies, wages, and benefits. Publicly diminishing her contributions feels like a disservice to the collaborative spirit we aim to foster.
Despite the circumstances, Jodi maintained her professionalism and voted in favor of an increase in health benefits for teachers. Her dedication over the past three years—balancing her role as a mother of two children in the district and as an active board member—shows her commitment to our community. To suggest she does not align with the district’s vision is simply not accurate.
As we navigate these challenges, it’s important to remember that we are setting an example for our children, who are always watching us. Let’s strive for compassion and understanding in our interactions.
Why do teachers have fat asses?
Jodi Sledge is more than qualified for the position. She represents a large majority of parents. This is just another attempt to undermine the election process first by refusing to post her interview video saying that the sound was accidentally off. In fact, Kathryn never showed so they didn’t want that shown publicly. Where were you Kathryn? Jodi showed up in good faith. I guess Kathryn has something more important??? Kathryn why didn’t you show? Many parents felt as Kathryn had something better to do by not showing up. Jodi took time away from her family to prioritize her duty as a board member and seek reelection! We need a parent who has children in the school district on the board! Parents vote and let your voices be heard! Jodi is and has been the voice of the majority of the parents! Jodi thank you for prioritizing our children, teachers and staff and for being our voice!
I was a parent at the board meeting and no one diminished Jodi and nothing was said publicly about Jodi. As I understand it, Kathryn was unavoidably out of the country.
And no, the sound was not just broken for Jodi‘s speech! How misleading! Also, I heard Jodi read from a computer for all of her responses during her so-called “interview“. AI…?
To accuse someone of using AI because they read from their computer is silly. You must also be a teacher because it wasn’t open to the public to attend. Again she showed up, where was her opponent? A more important vacation? Hmmm… a so-called interview is better than no interview in my opinion.
And you seemed to cherry pick from the above comment, but didn’t acknowledge the letter written to the editor two years ago during an election cycle, by a TEACHER, that’s stated 90% is showing up. Funny how that works. I implore you to read the whole letter that is still available on the calaveras enterprise. Speaks volumes for this given situation.
Bottomley is a rich privlaged guy who has had everything handed to him in life. Sound. familiar? He hasn’t ever had a real job and ran a once prosperous ski area into the ground. If that’s the kind of leadership you want have at it.
It’s sad because others may have more than you, you choose to say it’s all been given to him. What proof do you have? Just your own assumption? It’s weird when people just assume they know someone’s financial status. And didn’t the Bottomley’s donate large amounts of money to Kathryn’s mentoring program for children? Oh, that’s right they did……..
Anyone who writes these comments as Anonymous is a Pansey and if you knew what Tim has done, you would take back your ignorant comment. He has done more for helping this community than any of you. Ralph Emerson
As much as I have tried to curb a comment here, I cannot in good concious not reply to the rich priveliged comment. I know personally that Tim Bottomly worked harder than most employees at Bear Valley from a very young age (I was one of those employees). Tim has been a fireman, and sheriff (ie: PUBLIC SERVENT) and a successful businessman among other things. If I’m also not mistaken, the Bottomly family for many years were HUGE doners to The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, which Kathryn was director of. I do not believe that Mr. Bottomly’s letter was in anyway aimed at Kathryn. I believe most are missing the point that most in that Board Meeting were feeling a bit uncomfortable at the VTA announcement who endorsed everyone BUT Mrs. Sledge. The VTA had 2 weeks prior notified all candidates who was endorsed and who wasn’t. It was public knowledge by the actual Board Meeting. Most would believe that Mrs. Sledge has done a stellar job as a VUSD Board Member, and so has Mr. Bottomly. The Board has voted for better benefits and better pay for teachers with Mr. Bottomly and Mrs. Sledge voting in favor. This name calling, and put downs of ANYONE who has shown up and given time as a VUSD Board Member is wrong. It was unfortunate that the VTA felt it necessary to announce for the 2nd time their endorsements while Mrs. Sledge had to sit there embarassed yet continue for another 2 hrs. doing her job as a Board Member. Endorse whom you choose, but maybe have a bit of compassion in the process. You are the people who teach our children, I’d hope the lack of compassion doesn’t spill into your classrooms!!
Well spoken. 100% agree with all your points.
Attacking teachers is not a good look for someone who claims to support them. Unions have always endorsed candidates, and getting upset about the process because it’s “inappropriate” to announce the results at a board meeting suggests a lack of the mindset, resiliency, and decorum needed to lead. Strong-arming and complaining about not being supported is both tacky and misguided. Tim should be ashamed of himself for posting that letter in any forum he could, trying to stir unrest and anger toward the teachers he and Board Member Sledge claim to support.
This entire thing was tacky by the VTA and inappropriate. Tim’s letter just revealed the depth of shit you all are willing to wade in. It was meant to hurt Jodi Sledge and many of you enjoyed it. Good job guys and gals! You hurt someone that spent years in an unpaid position to help the teachers and staff get raises and much more. Feeling good about yourselves??? Disgusting!
This is awful. Tim and Jodi are both amazing people who want nothing but the best for this community and these kids. Misrepresenting and talking down upon their characters is not okay at all. Jodi, you have my vote all day long.
Evan Shields
“The timing and manner of their announcement at a public board meeting, where only two candidates were present, including a sitting board member running unopposed, raised questions.” It answers one, though, doesn’t it? It says that the VTA believes that the other candidate (Sledge) is so garbage, that they
WOW! Here we have it folks the true version of the supporters of the VTA. This is what they are ok with? Comments like this? Saying a current sitting board member is “so garbage”. But didn’t finish the statement?
This is easy. Tim MAGA Bottomley is hurt because his friend, Jodi MAGA Sledge was not endorsed by the VTA. You think teachers are going to endorse Jodi? Not a chance.
Still missing the point here……..I don’t believe the endorsement is the issue. I don’t believe any of this mud slinging by those who propose to support teachers is necessary. These people should ALL be commended for the time and effort it takes to be a school board member. Remember these positions are NON PARTISAN so there’s that. PLUS, isn’t it teachers, schools, etc. who are really pushing the understanding, tolerance, and compassion for all??? Where’s that?? Maybe a few of the commenters here need to take out the S.E.L. handbook and read it. The only thing Tim Bottomley’s letter said, was that announcing the endorsement at a board meeting could have been done a bit more thoughtfully, and with a bit more empathy. If I were a betting person I would bet that Tim Bottomly might have written that same letter for any of the other Board Members who were embarassed and uncomfortable. HECK I WOULD HAVE BEEN!!! Most of these comments are just simply mean spirited and really do not show tolerance, respect, or empathy. VTA maybe could have just said that they have made their endorsements, candidates have been notified and encouraged to make their own statements. Just a softer announcement instead of the in your face that was handed out?? MAYBE?? just an opinion of someone who sees both sides but feels like it just could have been handled better.
Yeah who makes a comment about garbage? I remember years ago being involved in a car accident and Jodi stopped to help my family. After making sure we were ok she brought by dinner to our home for a week for our family! Garbage she is not! Jodi I will never forget what you did for us! You have a heart of gold!
Yes She helped our family too when my wife came down with covid! She made trips to the store daily and brought us groceries. She would never take any money for it. She simply said that we would do it for her. That is the Jodi Sledge we know and love!
It is ridiculous that public rhetoric has disintegrated to personal assaults against people who have served without pay and clearly want to contribute to our education system. This should not be a partisan battle. We are lucky to have people like Tim and Jodi who will spend their time on the board. This more and more common public slander will diminish the quality of citizens willing to serve. Anonymity in public forums has made degrading comments easier and more common. Stop it. Grow up. And if you can’t sign your name, think iahain f you should even write it.
Robyn Ritchie
*again if
I want to take a moment to share what has been weighing heavily on my heart. This election is my first experience campaigning during an election, and it has opened my eyes to the deep divisions that exist within our community.
For over three years, I have poured my heart and soul into this district. I’ve sacrificed countless nights away from my family, asking my husband to juggle work and childcare so I could fulfill my responsibilities—meetings, events, and conferences that are vital to our mission. I have leaned on friends and family when my husband couldn’t be there, missing bedtimes and family dinners. I don’t share this to evoke pity; I share it because the behaviors I’ve witnessed during this election cycle have been truly heartbreaking.
Three years ago, I chose to get involved not just for my own children, but for every child in our community. I have strived to be a dedicated board member, advocating for our students, teachers, staff, and administration. My political affiliation should never define my commitment to this board or the work we do. Early in this campaign, I was warned to brace myself for resistance simply because I’m a registered Republican. Yet we are a non-partisan body, and I have always kept my political beliefs separate from my role on the board.
I hope we can learn from this experience. The cruelty and judgment based on political differences must come to an end. I believe my actions and dedication as a member of the Vallecito Union School Board speak for themselves.
Let us strive to do better and to be better for the sake of our children and our community.
Jodi,
If you are nonpartisan, why are you now publicly declaring yourself as the republican candidate? Why is Tim using his district email to send politically charged and disparaging emails to staff and then publicly humiliating teachers. Your community expects better of you.
I have come forward because I was made aware of this comment section, and what was being said in here. All these years being on the board I have not stated what political party I am affiliated because it should not matter. I have also been told that I will NOT get votes because I am a registered republican. Again, it should not matter.
As far as Tim’s letter, he chose to send that out on his own accord. Do I see it as being politically charged? No, I do not. I think the public has made this a political issue, when again it should have never been.
My statement came from the heart. I wish this divide would not be in our school systems, as it should not be. I have chosen to dedicate my time to our children not because of my political affiliation, but because of my deep passion I have for our children and their education. As well as our teachers, staff and administrators. I have nothing but respect for the teachers, staff and administrators for all the time and effort they put into our children. And I believe I have shown that as a current board member.
So you support his letter vilifying staff but claim to support them. Spoken like a true politician.
I don’t support anyone vilifying anyone. You are more than welcome to your opinion of me. And I don’t claim that I support them, I do supported the staff, teachers and administrators. You are more than welcome to pull my voting records.
Or how about this…VTA doesn’t support this parent as a board member? She didn’t write the letter but supports an open discussion about how the candidate’s night video was handled and the announcement of Kathryn being endorsed at a meeting that wasn’t designated as a candidate’s night. VTA has the right to endorse who they want we all know that. Is it this parent or this Republican??? Just curious VTA what is it that you don’t like about Jodi Sledge? How does this parent irritate your demons?
Support*
Amen Sister!!!