What would a censure really accomplish? It is just a public hand slap that does not remove him from office. It's not like he will suddenly learn how to work with people.

Palmer appears to be the only one capable of rising above it all. Thank you Mr. Palmer.

It's true censuring Nelson is a slap on the wrist that probably won't change his behavior. That doesn't make it pointless. The value in censure is that it lets the staff and community know the board does not condone bad behavior. This is especially important for the administrators and support staff members who have to deal most closely with Nelson. The situation doesn't seem to have reached the point it has in Santa Clara, where many exceptional staff members left the district, but I'd hate for it to get that far.

Censure is also a crucial first step toward reviving a climate of open dialogue. I don't expect unanimous decisions on every issue. I do expect disagreement to be respectful.

Palmer set a great example as he stated his opinion and then voted his conscience. He was cheerful even though his suggestion for the board bylaw was not accepted. (On a side note, I think Palmer also supported the future agenda item to censure Nelson. The last sentence of the article gives the impression he did not.)

Chiang, Lambert, and Wheeler have been equally respectful through this frustrating situation. Their work right now is difficult, but necessary. I appreciate their service.

Many here have been using the school district to achieve their personal ambitions and satisfy their egos. Nelson is not alone on that point. And how much did staff have to put up with under Ghysels under Gloria Higgins and Ellen Wheeler as board members? That episode still takes the cake.

Oh Elaine,

Do tell! I was wondering if Nelson was telling them he is fed up and they don't want to listen.

I am surprised how the schools are run now days with all these half days and days off. As working parents we need some consistency.

Really not helpful!

Beyond censure, the voters need to take matters into their own hands and recall Nelson. It is one thing to question staff and have healthy dialog about policy and strategy, but constant insults and criticism in the name of an alternative voice are not productive. People with that kind of axe to grind do not belong in elected office. I hope to see some of the parents who are in leadership in the MVWSD community stand up and fight for good governance and start a campaign to recall Nelson.

@Elaine and Graham Mom, I hear you loud and clear.

Voters of MVWSD have no one to blame but themselves. They mistook bluster and noise for an informed motivated candidate who would put the district's students first.

Whatever your opinion of the current and past district board and administration, there were certainly better choices to lead or change.

Please let me know where I can sign a recall petition and where I can send a recall campaign contribution.

I would say Nelson is very informed and very motivated. Wheeler has run uncontested so many times I would hardly find her as expressing the will of the voters. Nelson, on the other hand, ran and won in a contested field.

@ Elaine,
No one is saying the Mr. Nelson isn't informed and motivated. The problem is that he is abusive and insulting while interacting with his fellow Board members and staff members. Someone who is truly motivated would modify their behavior so that they could actually get something done. It's the old saying, you catch more flies wit honey than with vinegar.

There are many ways for board members to be abusive and insulting. One such way is sit quietly and never respond to community concerns once you are elected, or to rally behind and never question the district administration at whatever cost to protect your ego and tenure along the lines of the old saying, "Don't make waves."

ditto what Elaine said

Just curious - have you ever attended a Board meeting or watched the video of one of the meetings to see Mr. Nelson's behavior during meetings for yourself? If you haven't, I strongly suggest that you do so. Mr. Nelson's behavior is like a tsunami - very destructive to everything in its path.