There are times in life when we make a decision that we ponder over and over in our mind — dwelling on what we should or could have done differently.  Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control stop us from altering the course set by that decision.  But for the most part, decisions can be changed — if we have the nerve and we swallow our pride.

    Manteca Unified School Board Trustees Vern Gebhardt, Michael Seelye, Evelyn Moore and Wendy King set the wheels in motion to build the now costly, state-investigated and controversial school gyms at Shasta and Neil Hafley elementary schools.  It is now obvious, as evidenced by their comments at the last school board meeting, that these decisions were made without all the facts — especially the critical facts about money.

    But true to their elitist fashion, these trustees continue to unwaveringly support the gym projects and defend staff for unauthorized decisions with a myriad of excuses — all to save face.

    One such face-saving antic was on display at the Tuesday, March 11, school board meeting. Trustee Nancy Teicheira proposed that before they enter into a loan agreement with the city of Manteca, her colleagues ought to consider bringing the final documents back for review and a vote.

    Gebhardt, Seelye, and Moore opposed Teicheira’s request using the excuse that bringing back loan documents for review would delay the gyms’ construction schedule.   

    Say what?

    Who do you know that goes off half-cocked, launching a major home renovation project without the means to pay?
Or better yet, does not have any money, yet forges ahead with a project that is way over budget, goes to the bank (in this case, the city) to bail them out, and then designates his kids (or hired help) to sign the loan documents?

    Whether you are for or against the Shasta and Neil Hafley school gym projects, the trustees still have an obligation to the taxpayers of this community to be prudent and responsible in their fiduciary duties.

    It’s too bad trustees Gebhardt, Seelye, and Moore didn’t act that way.