It would seem that the list of businesses should be a lot longer, there are no restaurants on the list except for Boulanger and Tied House. There is no represenation of downtown businesses. Surely Cascal, Chez TJ, Books Inc, East West Books, Starbucks etc would participate? Also I don't 'shop' at daycare centers or KMTV, it's great if they are making a donation but seem like odd choices for a shop local program. Or maybe I just don't get it?

kathy,

the restaurants you listed (and other businesses) were invited to participate. if they're not, it's because they chose not to. maybe residents need to approach these businesses and ask they why they've chose not to.

GSB, thanks for the explanation, that is amazing that none of the major players downtown would participate. Assume business owners were approached in person? Sounds like some friendly arm twisting is in order.

Maybe people and businesses are tired of throwing their money into the pit that is called the Mountain View Whisman School District run by an overpaid superintendent who has some major moral, ethical and overall character flaws. Just me guess.

Bear in mind that this is a new program and in time we will see more and more businesses participating. The word just needs to get out more about this great program and business will see the benefits of participating. Education is a great cause and our children's education is more than worth our investment in their future.

It cost $250 to participate in this program. Participating businesses have their company name/logo on a flyer sent home with 4,500+ district students, it appears on the Chamber website, and probably will be popping up in more places.

That's in addition to whatever the annual Chamber membership fee is.

Just adding another factoid to the conversation.

Kathy
Baskin Robbins is a participating. They are not a restaurant but do sale food.

Thanks for the list of businesses supporting MV schools. I'll be sure to boycott them until the board makes the right decision and cans Ghysels and his girlfriend.

I suggest everyone else do the same until the message is received.

to Evan and others,

Please keep in mind that there are TWO school districts in MV:

Mountain View Whisman School District - kindergarten through 8th grade, superintendent is Maurice Ghysels

Mountain View Los Altos High School District - 9th through 12th grade and Adult Ed, superintendent is highly regarded, well respected, and genuinely good guy Barry Groves

the Shop Local program directs funds only to the k-8 district.

if you don't want to patronize the ethically challenged district office, you can always make donations of office supplies and gift cards directly to capable, honest, hardworking teachers, or monetary contributions directly to school PTA's, which pay for field trips, school assemblies, library books, etc

And you of course can contribute to the MV Educational Foundation, which is a high-integrity non-profit that raises funds and pays for music, art, science supplies, and after-school sports for all students at all MVWSD schools.

www.mvef.org

I would consider donating to MV Educational Fund, but not until I hear an official statement on where they stand with the Ghysels-Mizel issue. It is a well know fact that the group heavy-weight parent leaders are enchanted with Ghysels and drink the "Kool-aid."

So, Juana, you're saying that the parents who are actually involved with the district think highly of Ghysels? Well, we should certainly ignore their informed opinions!

The program is about the KIDS, not the superintendent.

I would like to echo the comment from GSB. This is about the kids. It is honestly amazing to me the mean spirited attitude that can exude from people. Can we take some time to focus on the positives and what people are trying to do that is right ?

The shop local program is trying to make a contribution that will help in educating kids. It also helps in supporting the local community by shopping at local businesses; businesses that are eager to help our kids. To punish these busineses in an effort to get the outcome you believe is right doesn't make sense.

Evan, please reconsider your decision to boycott businesses in Mountain View and understand what you really are taking away in your effort to make something else go right. You may indeed be creating a negative consequence that you do not intend.

I support the boycott.

The district should fire Ghsyels and Mizell, hire a supe for $50,000 less and promote a teacher to principal to save another $10,000. Also take away the next supe $6,000 car allowance. It's a no brainer. That way we wouldn't have to grovel for money.

What Maurice, I mean eric, no opinion on your hero Ghysels for once!

Susana, I've found that people who have positions that they cant support with facts fall back on stuff like "Maurice, I mean eric". This thread is (was) about a positive community building program launched by the chamber that is being denigrated by some hateful people. Like GSB and community volunteer said, its about the KIDS

Boycott local businesses for supporting MV Schools? That makes a lot of sense, great idea Evan. Despite the issues mentioned it is ridiculous to penalize a business for trying to support the local community. And as far as Eric's comments go about Boulanger, Tied House and Baskin Robbins, I think we have a joker in our midst. His comments are so ridiculous I assume that it must be a weak attempt at humor? Anonymous forums often bring out the worst in people.

I'm tired of the many schemes, taxes, and fund-raisers to raise money for the very same school district that squanders funds. Practices and attitudes need to change.