The superintendent's letter in Vacaville for the month of March started the same way. The Sierra Unified letter went on ... almost verbatim ... the same as the Vacaville letter. It wasn't the first time. Action News has learned of at least four instances where the letters were the same with no attribution ... sometimes ... the Sierra superintendent's letters written several years later.
Jamie Bennett, a Sierra Unified parent brought it to the attention of the school board last week. Jamie Bennett said, "My main concern is if this was a student doing this there would be punishment."
The punishment for plagiarism at Sierra High is a zero on the assignment for the first offense ... suspension for more than three offenses.
Dr.Michael Gardner would not comment on the charges on camera ... but told Action News quote, "He does regret using John Aycock's work ... and he apologizes."
Vacaville Superintendent John Aycock told Action News Gardner worked for him for several years ... he said quote, "Basically I've given him permission to use my material."
After Gardner was confronted about his articles at the Sierra School Board meeting ... Aycock says he got a call from Gardner. Aycock said, "Michael told me he was sorry and should have given me credit. I feel badly for Michael. I think he's a good person and he has a good heart."
Gardner wrote a letter of apology to the Sierra Unified staff and board of trustees. But some believe he should do be disciplined in some way.
Sierra High senior Colton Zimmerman said, "I don't think it's fair. I mean, I know Dr. Gardner's a really good guy, but I don't think it's fair that he can just say he regrets it and then moves on and when we do it, we get F's in the class."
Sierra High junior Denton Miniajluk said, "It makes me question it ... cuz I know he's a good guy ... I know him a little bit ... but people do make mistakes ... and he's gonna have to accept what he did. "
The case has been turned over to the district's personnel department. The Superintendent's monthly memo has been removed.
