TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2001
FR EE
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Volume 1, Issue 37
Santa Monica Daily Press Serving Santa Monica for the past 44 days
Deasy enters into an unstable school scene New superintendent reflects on the first 100 days
“We are so fortunate to have John here. In fact, I’d say we’re one of the luckiest school districts in the country.”
BY ANDREW H. FIXMER Special to the Daily Press
Within John Deasy’s first 100 days as superintendent, a whirlwind of change has engulfed the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Shortly before officially assuming the reigns on July 5, three assistant superintendents resigned from the school district and needed to be replaced quickly. Nearly half the school board turned over in last November’s elections. Collectively, in three short months more than half the school district’s leadership has changed hands. But Deasy has shown he is adept at handling pressure and making decisive decisions. Three new administrators were quickly hired and Deasy, along with the three new school board members, went through a dizzying orientation process.
— TOM PRATT Former school board president
So far the results have been in Deasy’s favor. For the first time in many years, the Santa MonicaMalibu Unified teachers’ union and the administration are on good terms. A new contract has been recently approved and union representatives share the stage with administrators and board members at school board meetings.
“We are so fortunate to have John here,” said Tom Pratt, former school board president, at a recent school board meeting. “In fact, I’d say we’re one of the luckiest school districts in the country.” Recently, Deasy has been instrumental in planning how the school district will deal with overcrowded classJohn Deasy rooms throughout the district. His plan outlines the steps needed to stem the number of permits granted to non-resident students, which encompass nearly 21 percent of the entire student body. The next challenge for the school district, with Deasy’s guidance, is to find a new source of funding to See DEASY, page 3
President Bush sends out a Christmas message By the Associated Press
President Bush’s Christmas message to Americans: Christmas is a time of wonder and joy, of generosity and peace, that brings family and friends together in celebration and song. We sing old hymns and familiar carols, we show love for others in the giving of gifts and we observe the hallowed traditions that make the season special. This year in the midst of extraordinary times, our nation has shown the world that though there is great evil, there is a
greater good. Americans have given of themselves, sacrificing to help others and showing the sprit of love and sharing that is so much a part of the Christmas season. According to the Gospel of Luke, 2,000 years ago, the savior of mankind came into the world. Christians believe that Jesus’ birth was the incarnation of God on earth, opening the door to new hope and eternal life. At Christmastime, Christians celebrate God’s love revealed to the world through See BUSH, page 3
In this season of giving, our TV friends shouldn’t be overlooked BY FRAZIER MOORE AP Television Writer
Carolyn Sackariason/Daily Press
A blow-up Santa Claus waves to passerbys on the beach.
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NEW YORK — “Subdued” is the word for the holidays this year. Splurging on flashy gifts is out. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t pick up a few things for the people closest to us — including folks on TV, who, after all, are never far away. Some of the items our TV friends should soon be unwrapping include: — Cocktail swords and swizzle sticks stamped with the NBC peacock ... for everyone in ad sales at the first TV network in broadcasting history to accept advertising for hard liquor. — A Daisy air rifle ... for Fox News Channel cor-
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See TELEVISION, page 3
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respondent Geraldo Rivera, who, covering the war in Afghanistan, told viewers he was packing heat — then was criticized by other reporters for his gunslinger pose. — A moving van ... for Katie Couric. No, she’s not going anywhere. She’s staying put as anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. The truck is for hauling to the bank her hefty new salary (reportedly $13 million a year). — An early Valentine ... for David Letterman, whose heart has beat stronger since his quintuple bypass two years ago, but who showed its full measure with his heartfelt remarks on returning to the air
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