San Benito County and high school respond to grand jury
report
San Benito County and the San Benito High School District both
recently responded, as required by law, to the 2010 San Benito
County Grand Jury Report.
The Civil Grand Jury investigates an array of allegations
regarding public agencies each year, then releases a report with
its findings. Each of the agencies reported on within the document
has 90 days to respond to the published report. The grand jury
published the report in mid-June.
San Benito County and high school respond to grand jury report
San Benito County and the San Benito High School District both recently responded, as required by law, to the 2010 San Benito County Grand Jury Report.
The Civil Grand Jury investigates an array of allegations regarding public agencies each year, then releases a report with its findings. Each of the agencies reported on within the document has 90 days to respond to the published report. The grand jury published the report in mid-June.
Some of the county’s responses are as follows:
– In reference to allegations elections workers appeared inadequately trained and there was some confusion, the county noted how it is the elections office’s goal to recruit and train seasonal workers, and that many have many years of experience. It goes on to point out extensive training practices and evaluation methods.
– The grand jury reported about the health and human services department and noted that it is “very knowledgeable regarding programs available” and that it “does all it can to meet the needs of the applicants.” The county simply noted, as it did in many cases, that it “concurs” with the findings.
-The grand jury also reported positively about the jail staff, that it is well run and the facility is well maintained, while making a special point that there had been no murders, suicides or escapes since its inception. The jury also said the staff is well trained and experienced, prisoners are treated with respect, there are a variety of support services available, and how it is operating at maximum capacity. The county agreed with the findings.
– In the response to the allegation that sheriff’s personnel are stretched too thin, the county responded that budget constraints are prohibiting it from acting on the recommendations for more staffing.
– The grand jury had concerns in its report about a planning contract with Precision Inspection Services, and whether it was fairly agreed upon. The county responded that the agreement is lawful and fair. “Precision Inspection has provided excellent service and conducts business on behalf of San Benito County under the direction of the Department head,” according to the county’s response.
Some of the San Benito High School District’s responses included the following:
– San Benito High School responded to allegations that some teachers aren’t having students recite the Pledge of Allegiance by noting how the district “partially agrees” with the finding. The response says the district’s rules reiterate the state law requiring the Pledge is recited, and that it is the expectation that the Pledge is recited in the first block of each school day.
– The high school also responded regarding a recommendation to review policies in the event of a lockout by noting that the school is “ever grateful” to the sheriff’s office and police department for their support, and that it will continue to review enforcement procedures.
– The school also responded regarding claims that the school needs improvements with tardiness enforcement. The school noted that the issue is taken “very seriously.” The school also responded that the rate of attendance has been increasing since the implementation of an automatic dialer system that sends messages home to parents when students are missing from classes.
Look back for responses from other public agencies.
