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Apparent Campaign of Misinformation and Intimidation Launched against Piru Charter School Petition and Founders
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
 Fillmore Unified School District Since the filing of a petition on September 16th with the Fillmore Unified School District to convert Piru Elementary into an independent charter school, there have been a series of incidents in which certain FUSD employees and other individuals have distributed information about the proposed charter school which is either misleading or false, according to Richard Durborow and Chris Pavik, two of the charter petitioners. In what is apparently an escalation by those opposed to the charter, this past Friday, says Chris Pavik, two of the teachers at Piru School who signed the petition were approached separately by another teacher with close personal ties to the District Office. They were both told by this well-connected teacher that the School Board will not rehire any person who goes to work at the charter school and later decides to return to the District. In addition, one signer was told that the County Office of Education has the list of the signers’ names, and that no other school district in the county will hire them because they signed the charter petition, and the other was told that the Superintendent had said that any teacher who signed the petition, but now withdrew their name, would suffer no repercussions from the District. Says Chris Pavik, “these seem like not-so-veiled threats of intimidation, and they cross the line. As far as the School Board telling Piru staff that there will be no ‘right of return’, I have heard from several sources that such a statement was made at a District administrator’s meeting on last Thursday, that principals were directed by one of the Assistant Superintendents to verbally give this warning to their staffs. Such a statement is tantamount to bargaining away from the table, because that issue is bargainable, and it is illegal for the District to go around the unions and try to negotiate with individual members. I have informed the FUTA President and a CTA organizer of what I heard, and discussed the fact that this is an unfair labor practice, and that the District must stop doing this.” At this time, the petitioners plan to turn over the name of the teacher involved, and the names of those whom the teacher implicated, to legal counsel for possible litigation. The petitioners first became aware of this apparent misinformation campaign when they learned from a parent of a Piru School student about what was said at a meeting for migrant parents which had been organized by the District at the Colina Vista Apartments community room on the morning of Monday, October 5th. At that meeting, an official from the County Office of Education said that if Piru School became a charter, migrant education services for Piru students could be halted. However, according to the California Dept. of Education, even if Piru School were to become a charter tomorrow, it would be the duty of the County Office of Education to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that Migrant Program services continued for Piru migrant students without interruption. “It is extremely offensive,” said Richard Durborow, “to think that public school officials would prey upon the fears of a group of parents whose children are most at risk, and seek to create fear among them.” The petitioners have contacted the legal counsel of the California Charter School Association, and their attorneys are considering drafting a letter demanding that the District cease and desist from repeating any such false claims in an attempt to manipulate and frighten parents into not supporting the charter school. Chris Pavik, Piru School teacher and one of the petition signers responded, “it is shocking that the District, after false propaganda has been spread to migrant parents, is now planning to divert Migrant Education funds intended for students to pay for a bus to bring these parents to the charter petition hearing, apparently so that they can unwittingly repeat the misinformation they were told at the District’s Migrant Parent meeting.” The claim that Migrant Funding would be imperiled was repeated in a flier, entitled ‘Save Our School! Say No To Charter!” Several Piru School teachers who have close personal ties to District officials were seen walking through the streets, according to Chris Pavik. According to him, they were seen by other staff members leaving this flier on doorsteps on the afternoon of October 7th, and there were reports that one of these teachers was passing out the flier outside the San Salvador Mission in Piru after Mass on Sunday, October 11th. This flier, portions of which look remarkably similar to the letter written by School Board President John Garnica, which was published in the Gazette the day after the flier appeared, also claims that certain programs and services funded by the District are guaranteed. In actual fact they are not, but are subject to the budgeting process of the School District, and thus can be and, in some cases, have been cut. It would appear that the author of this flier and the Board President collaborated in creating their documents, which contain detailed knowledge of specific school projects and repairs dating back four years. The flier does not indicate who wrote it, or who paid for its printing, but it does use a type font which is typically used in District memos and notices. During this same week, according to Mr. Pavik, one of these same Piru teachers with close ties to the District Office began talking to the classified employees at Piru School, during the school day, claiming that if the charter was authorized, they would lose their jobs and all their rights and benefits. Mr. Pavik learned from other FUSD classified staff in Fillmore that these claims were also spread amongst classified staff across the District last week. Several classified Piru employees told Chris Pavik that a classified union meeting was held last Friday at Piru School, at which these claims were repeated. “These claims are completely false,” said Mr. Pavik. “They are being repeated by people who have either not read the charter, or who are maliciously trying to deceive and scare people. The charter petition specifically states that all employees, including the classified, will retain their right to union representation, they will keep their current collective bargaining contract, they will have all rights guaranteed to school employees under the California Education Code, they will keep their health benefits and current salaries, and a memorandum of understanding will be negotiated between the District, the charter school and the unions to guarantee the rights of current employees.” Richard Durborow and Chris Pavik believe that the purpose behind these acts of misinformation and intimidation is to create fear and anger in staff and parents before the formal Board hearing on the Piru Charter Petition at 6:00 PM on October 21st at the Piru School Cafeteria. “I think it is the District’s hope to get a crowd of people to show up at that hearing to denounce the charter petition and urge its rejection, perhaps in order to give the Board some political cover if they do reject it, despite the fact that the District’s own survey last year shows a majority of the community supports having a charter school,” said Pavik. “It’s interesting that this campaign is not attacking what is actually in the charter petition. Apparently no one attacking the charter has actually read it, but instead they are making things up and misrepresenting the exciting educational plan that is actually in the PCS charter proposal.” How does the Piru Charter School Charter Petition protect current employees? During the Piru Reconfiguration Committee sessions held in the Winter and Spring of 2009, the entire staff, with input from classified staff, came up with a list of what we called 'non-negotiables', principles that any charter plan must include to be acceptable to the staff. Every single teacher on the staff agreed to these principles. Classified employees were informed of the meetings, given agendas and invited to participate, and those that did also agreed to these principles. The key principles the staff decided upon were: Salary schedule equivalent or better than FUSD’s It is the intent of our charter petition, to the extent it will be within our power, to honor all of these principles. How does the Piru Charter School Charter Petition address these principles? Principle: Salary schedule equivalent or better than FUSD’s Principle: Benefit package equivalent or better than FUSD’s From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 64: The terms of the current collective bargaining agreements between the Fillmore Unified School District and its employee organizations shall be in full force and effect as the terms and conditions of employment of the employees of the Piru Charter School at the time it commences operations. Any modification of these agreements shall occur under the auspices of the Educational Employment Relations Act, California Government Code Sections 3540, et seq. From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 62: In order to hold and secure experienced staff committed to innovation, PCS recognizes the importance of an attractive compensation package, which includes salaries and health benefits. PCS anticipates having a compensation package that is competitive with what the Fillmore Unified School District offers. Principle: Pension- remain in STRS and PERS From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 62: Employees at PCS shall participate in STRS, PERS, and the federal social security system as applicable to the position. PCS shall inform all applicants for positions within the School of the retirement system options for employees of the School. Principle: Due process rights for employees From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 64: All sections of the California Education Code pertaining to employee rights shall apply to the employees of the Piru Charter School. Principle: Union affiliation with local association From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 64: The employer voluntarily recognizes the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) as the exclusive representative of the Piru Charter School employees. Principle: Staff participation in governance and decision-making From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 39: The Board of Directors, consisting of at least five members, will be drawn from the following sources and at all times will include representatives from these constituencies: From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 41: Piru Charter School Council The PCS Council is the administrative unit for the school, its educational program and policy. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors in terms of offering and renewing contracts. The Council consists of all staff teachers (staff teachers are those who have a board-ratified salaried position), three parent representatives, one classified member, one administrator, and one chief financial officer or business manager. A quorum is defined as a majority of voting members present, which must include a majority of teachers. Though consensus is the goal, decisions can be made by majority vote. The PCS council will meet in the afternoon after school no less than nine times per school year. It will publish an agenda prior to the meeting. PCS parents will be encouraged to attend. Any issue that would put any member of the PCS in violation of Government Code 1090 will be passed on with a recommendation to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities of the Piru Charter Council • To maintain the integrity of this charter as the Council makes decisions about the daily operations and procedures of PCS. Principle: Staff selects Curriculum From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 11: Teachers create instruction, curriculum, assessments, and requirements to meet the needs of all learners, including those who require intervention and those who require acceleration. From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 14: Special aspects of the Piru Charter School program will include: From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 18: PCS teachers are empowered to utilize creative and authentic instructional methods, while ensuring the coverage of California State Content Standards. From the PCS Charter Petition, pp. 18-19: The PCS Leadership Team will meet on a regular basis to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum. Principle: Retain current staff From the PCS Charter Petition, pp. 25-26: PLAN FOR MIGRANT STUDENTS PCS will set high standards for migratory children and ensure they have equal access to a rigorous standards-based curriculum. PCS believes that the purpose of Migrant Education is to: • Support high-quality and comprehensive educational programs for migratory children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves; From the PCS Charter Petition, pp. 26-27: The School recognizes the importance of providing education opportunities to all students regardless of physical challenges or special needs. To that end, the school pledges to work in cooperation with the The School shall be deemed to be a public school of the District for purposes of special education pursuant to Education Code Section 47641(b). A child with disabilities attending the charter school shall receive special education instruction and designated instruction and services, provided by the District either in-house or by contract with a qualified third-party in accordance with the individualized educational program (“IEP”) in the same manner as a child with disabilities who attends another public school within the District. A special education agreement will be developed between the District and the School as part of the Memorandum of Understanding which spells out in detail the responsibilities for provision of special education services by the School and the manner in which special education funding will flow through the District to the students of the School. As part of the MOU between the District and Piru Charter School: • The District shall receive and retain all State and Federal special education funds due to the School. From the PCS Charter Petition, p. 63: District Employees Working at Charter School prior to approval: The rights of District employees working at the Charter School prior to an approval shall be as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding between the District, the Charter School, and the applicable unions. |
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Once again, memebers of the
Once again, memebers of the Piru Charter feel the ned to attack anyone who is against or just uniformed about the charter idea. The charter founders and the district have a right to educate the community about the pros and cons of this proposal. As a teacher of FUSD, I take exception that Piru Charter teachers recieve salary and benefits equal to or BETTER than mine. Also the right to return means that new teachers that work for Fillmore will be let go after 2 years despite their qualifications in order to "hold" the positions for the PCS teachers who may one day decide to return to FUSD. I have read the application and would like to know what PCS thinks they can accomplish by severing ties from FUSD that they haven't already done. Charter schools may be a wonderful thing. I'll be honest and say I don't know a lot. What I can say is how this charter was created and finalized left a lot of people out of the loop and there are hurt feelings on both sides.
I am a member of FUTA and I
I am a member of FUTA and I have never been asked or seeked an approval
of the Piru Charter. When I read the article,is Chris Pavik acting on behalf of FUTA or Piru Charter School?
Where are the funds of this propose litgation coming from FUTA or the Piru Charter School? This is an open question.
Does Chris Pavik have the authority to reserve funds for possible litigation without the approval of the FUTA Reprensative Counicl?
This seems to be an apparent pattern of making decisions without seeking or asking for collaboration of the bargaining unit membership.
OK, am I the only one who
OK, am I the only one who noticed a few typos and poor grammar here? Maybe you were in a hurry teacher 12345--or maybe we are in big trouble??...not trying to be rude, but if you are a teacher---this post is a little disconcerting!
FillmoreNative, you are
FillmoreNative, you are missing the sentiment when you are critisizing a post. This is not a formal document. I made a few errors myself. I wasn't under the impression my writing abilities were going to be critiqued. I had hoped this venue was a means of concerned citizens sharing their views without repercussions or judgements. Teachers are not perfect. We make mistakes. However we also do the best job we can with very little gratidue. I hope you will look beyond our "typos" and "grammatical errors" and look at the heart of the matter.
Teacher, I understand that
Teacher, I understand that what you wanted to communicate has nothing to do with spelling, syntax, grammar, or any of those things, but like FN, if yer gonna teach thangs, you'd better be right on with how you communicate! I have ALWAYS been taken aback with poor English skills from teachers...yes, you'll notice that I often spell things unconventionally, like 'yer'...'thangs'...what not...but those are just personal slangy trademarks that I use...plus I'm not teaching others how to spell!
So, I do hear what you're saying, Teacher, and I don't really care how ya spell it, but please be aware that folks like FN & myself, others as well, do place educators in a higher place in the food chain, and that's really a mark of respect more than anything else...I wouldn't have commented on it, maaaaaybeee...but I did notice it!!!
As far as the meat of your posts, I'm not up to speed on any of the issues, so I can't comment on it at all... except to note that the school district seems to be in as much uproar as the municipality!!!
I have a feeling Teacher
I have a feeling Teacher 12345 that English is a second language to you, seems you are spelling things phonetically? My heart goes out to anyone trying to learn English. It is not an easy language for sure, I have a relative who struggles this way. But if you are teaching, I would think this has to hamper you on the job? I understand your point, and I know I make mistakes, I'm not perfect. But poor grammar and poor spelling can really prevent someone from getting past the typos and hearing what you have to say. Well, I didnt mean to offend you, but I hope you hear what I'm saying. And Pancone, yer right about thangs, Teachers are not paid wht they are worth, do not receive the respect they are do, or the support they should get from parents. So 12345, I do appreciate all you give, just hope the English can improve.
I am baffled by the lack of
I am baffled by the lack of response in the Gazette to this big issue. As a district employee I am asked questions about the charter proposal everywhere I go. Since I am in the "mushroom group" (kept in the dark and fed err....compost), I am not always able to give good answers. I have plenty of question. I have read the charter application, and found more questions. I urge other parents and interested citizens to also read the charter. Like most people working in the field of education I am there for the kids and do not have much experience with budgets. But... I found no funding source for more classrooms, yet the PCS proposes to reduce class size while adding at least 50 students. My guess is that this would require four more classrooms. All classrooms are now occupied. The art and science teacher is pushing a cart from room to room, and does not have a classroom. If the afterschool program is lost, that could free up one room, and the special education room could share with the speech teacher in the smaller room off the library, but that still leaves a shortage of two classrooms in the proposal for next year.
And what about the library? It currently functions as a joint venture between Fillmore Unified School District and the County Library system thanks to the late Bob Kernan. What will happen?
I also noted that while claiming to include union representation for classified staff in the above article, only FUTA representation is cited. Were any classified employees involved in the secret charter discussions?
I remember when the
I remember when the California Lottery was suppose to take care of all that...what happened with all those funds? How can a state this rich, do this to its children? They should come first, not last. I know very little about Charter schools, pro or con. Does anyone out there know any details?
I've got a need to say
I've got a need to say something here, and I hope it is not off-mark to any of the direct situations herein. I was on the school board in another state of a charter school project, which, after the first year, continuing on the school board, the charter school "project" dissolved, and went into a formal charter school scenario.
That said, and continuing to serve on the school board, a group of local parents who were sending their children to this charter school, decided to become interested in firing the charter school 'President', therefore taking-over the schools program entirely. So, it was accomplished, strategically and tactically. Within the transition, authorized by the state we operated in, we had to go through a book of by-laws and state and federal laws constituting charter school operational management and compliance's. It was a tough, long haul for a month with meetings nearly every day (after work) to evolute any authorized changes/alterations to the plan. We had to submit these changes/alterations for state approval. So, finally, after a little tweaking, it was done. The charter school functioned, and is still functioning as a solid unit.
However, it seems for some reason, the emphasis is not the charter school principal here as much as it seems to be in the operational structure. Who are initiating the decision to release teachers following a two-year plan of teaching...and then reconsidered for rehire...and the salary structure, too? Is this a "local" mechanism or what? Seems charter schools, at least the one I was involved with, did not have any mention of this type of teacher-bouncing and salary disputing in it's originating legal codified rulings as established original by charter school structure. The charter school system I was associated with held salaries of those teachers hired, as higher pay and 'at will' tenure; in comparison to what is presented in the comments here. (????)
Portola, In the words of
Portola,
In the words of someone close to this issue: "We have posted articles and letters and opinions on this from both sides. What kind of a 'response' are" you looking for?
I would climb out of that compost pile quickly, Portola, before you get spontaneously combusted!
Mr. Farrell, Maybe you can
Mr. Farrell,
Maybe you can help me. I have seen a few articles written by Gazette staff about the Piru Charter School from the view point of the charter petitioners. What I haven't seen are any articles written by Gazette staff from the view point of the other side. In my opinion, there is a bias about the information the Gazette is willing to investigate and report to the community.
Teacher, The Gazette staff
Teacher, The Gazette staff has not written any article on the Piru Charter School. We submitted questions to the organizers and they answered them, much like we do with council candidates, and we printed that. If those opposing the Charter transition would like to answer the same questions, we would be glad to print them--our deadline is Tuesday, 3PM. By the way, page 2, Oct. 15 edition, John Schaper submitted an article titled, Piru Charter--An Empty Train. You can read it online under "School". Wanda Castel de Oro
Martin, the response I
Martin, the response I referred to was a desire to see the issue discussed on this board. I had hoped that the discussion could go beyond a spelling and grammar critique.
Teacher's point that you had printed favorable articles comes from your paper's habit of labeling many articles as written by "Gazette Staff Writer". Interestingly, John Schaper's is one of the few that was not attributed that way. The article directly above these comments is attributed to "Gazette Staff Writer" and has a very pro-charter point of view. No one from the school district was quoted. I did not attend the meetings with the County's Migrant personnel, but it would be interesting to know what the experts said. Facts are much more powerful than opinions.
Portola, The 10:39 PM post
Portola,
The 10:39 PM post was "signed" by Wanda, who works for the Gazette. I'm sure that I am one of many who do not understand the specific differences between a Charter School and a conventional school. I like the idea of a comparision between the two then a debate both pro and con on the issue. Opinion is fine and valued also, but after seeing what can be done with opinion I'll just have to say some pretty powerful things have been accomplished with opinion alone. Portola, it sounds like we both agree that facts should be the foundation for critical thinking, perhaps reason follows with opinion being the end product.
Portola, in going back over
Portola, in going back over the posts, there are some good ideas here. I think given time, more will be said on this. I really feel many don't understand Charter schools, as even those who work for the school district seem to be confused. CPR posted some insight on how they are run, and I think given time, more will be added to this. It's good to let the Gazette know what the public wants coverage on--but I've seen better results when those requests come without accusations. As far as grammar and spelling critique, I think we are within reason, to ask that our Teachers know how to speak and write proper English. I did also express compassion for any one trying to learn such a difficult language, which is much more than many would be willing to give him, or her.
FillmoreNative ~ whoever you
FillmoreNative ~ whoever you are, just an expression of thanks from me to you (at least) in having a balanced sense of commenting and intellect without prejudice or accusation. Your comments always seem to bring this commenter into a reality, much like Pancone and others do so often. Oogie B also has this balance. I believe that there IS confusion as to what Charter School systems are, and it may be a good thing for the folks to search this concept out. Personally, it worked for me and the particular community who benefited from this concept and the teaching staff also were 'happy campers' in their employment. Looks like a general city meeting with a large forum capacity is needed to explain the details. This is getting confusing a little, I can see.
I have never heard anything
I have never heard anything bad about Charter Schools CPR, but to be honest, I never gave much thot to what they were all about. Even the people who are posting on this subject, seem confused! And those who seem to know something about Charter schools are not posting things the average person would understand. I would love to see a break down of the pros and cons, in simple layman's terms. Your experience is interesting--in your opinion, do Charter schools seems to work, and why all the controversy over this one in Piru? Are all charter schools born out of discontent and controversy? Inquiring minds want to know!
'FillmoreNative'...in a
'FillmoreNative'...in a nutshell, there is a lot to be entered to rhetoric about and concerning Charter Schools.
Charter schools can specialize in certain educational studies, such as in science, mathematics, or focus on lab work and medical technology, for instance...of higher math leading towards engineering, etc. They provide a much better educational process of learning standards than the public school system. See...they have their own charters to operate, outside the public school systems.
Corporations, universities, for instance, can "own" charter schools and become "operators" of and in such.
In public schools, there are federal and state and local code restrictions, and also the Charter School concept, does not have these; or can have these codes, depending on what the board of the school decides on. Most likely these codes are enhanced, much like the school board I was on, did. We brought the standards higher than he federal, state and local standards were, and also the standards for the teaching and opertional staffing were at a higher level. Restrictions in public schools are really done away with for the most part, in a Charter School project.
No tuition is established in Charter schools, and generally the schools student population is around or about 200. They come under their own "Charter" and operational standards. They remain autonomous from the public school system and rulings.
Charter Schools are within the elementary and secondary school levels, FN.
FN...in addition as an
FN...in addition as an afterthought, Charter schools receive public funding only. No federal, state or local funds by the incorporated city or township supplies Charter School systems with funds of any sort.
As per your last sentence in
As per your last sentence in your comment, FN...this is the first time I have seen discontent and controversy over such a plan. I know there are questions to be asked and concerns to be brought up, however, those willing to send their sons or daughters to a local Charter School, in a new start up operation, most seem willing to accept the criteria and agenda of the school system in "Charter". It is apparent to me, that somewhere along the line, something is not stated correctly, or that people are not reviewing the article close enough...something here is off-key. Insofar as the teachers being hired for two years or something like that...is something done by the current charter board membership...it does not have to be this way...someones personal rule for some unknown and incomprehensible reason. Seems to me some changes and alterations are needed in the board and operational membership in Piru before this type of school gets into further discussion.
Well, with all you said CPR,
Well, with all you said CPR, it makes you wonder why this decision needs to be controversial and so disruptive? Seems everyone could get together and work out what would be best for the children? My daughter attended this school back in the 80's and loved it there! Sad to see so much discord going on in Fillmore, and now Piru..
Could be the "disease" is
Could be the "disease" is spreading, FN.
I just re-scanned REALITIES
I just re-scanned REALITIES just a few seconds ago, and read a passage wherein a disruption is created whereby the School District is allegedly "blackballing" any teacher who signs on to work with the new Charter School facility, never more to be hired back into the public school system again.
This is totally illegal in any sense of the word, and if this rumor happens to hold factual truth to it, the Fillmore Unified School District can reap many legal problems for them if they so do this, and carry-through their decision.
First, IF this alleged action is true, it best be backed up immediately by some federal or state ruling to this issue. Otherwise, the school district principals cannot just "come up" and evolute this sort of incomprehensible and idiotic train of thought. Without substantiating a teacher is unqualified to teach in any public school system, no matter what school system he or she formerly taught in, must bear factual teacher code abridgement and prove that teacher is thereby unqualified and disqualified from teaching or for a certain period of time; then appropriately reinstated, with licensure. But nothing I know of in any federal law says a teacher is barred or suspended from re-entering the public school system after teaching in any other type of school educational system, including Charter Schools. Nutty as peanut brittle.
Well, Teacher, you wanted
Well, Teacher, you wanted more pro Charter articles, there are some really good posts here. Sorry Portola, if this is more pro Charter, but if it is true that the school district is 'threatening' to blackball teachers, for signing up with the Charter school, that certainly will send many over to the pro Charter side. And thanks CPR for explaining it the way you did, I see what they are trying to say. It seems that most just arent real clear on Charter Schools, altho I've heard of them, I've never given much thot about why they exist. I guess one thing I did know, was someone must know what they are doing to begin one, that it is somehow in the best interests of the children!
I have not heard from any
I have not heard from any one in the school district anything about "blackballing" anyone. That would be very unprofessional, and out of character for the district. I don't know where this came from, but it is not a widely circulated rumor. As far as I know the district want to hire the best teachers available regardless of prior charter employment. The state budget challenges that all California schools are experiencing makes any speculation about returning to a job just that. Lots of good teachers all over the state lost jobs last year, even in Fillmore, though it was termed "non-retention".
'Portola', if you read the
'Portola', if you read the REALITIES this week, read down into the heart of the article. The word "blackballing" or "blackball" is certainly there, and which is why I made the emphasis in quote form. When the Gazette prints EDITORIALS, it is advisable that everyone read as much as they can...and learn. I do not know about any such rumor, 'Portola'. Seems confusion still is running wild in Fillmore over this issue. Please read REALITIES.
And why I also put
And why I also put 'threatening' in there that way, because 'threatening' can be implied, a rumor floated, and used in a variety of ways. Up front of course the district will say this Portola....but we all know how animosity can influence decisions. It this Charter School does go thru the first teachers there will be a brave bunch! It will take a few years for all this to settle down I think, and remove the stigma of having jumped ship. To say this will have absolutely no influence on the Districts decisions is some wishful thinking.
Very true to fact,
Very true to fact, FillmoreNative. I'm positive that this web site will have more events and issues to come forth on this Charter School issue at Piru soon. My only hopes would be as to not be blaming the Charter School system or concept in any way, for the displays that have been presented so far by some individuals who are facilitators therein. Whether some feel this Charter School is pro or con in theory and practice, this is of no concern of mine. This is a serious educational issue and of course, everyone may want the best education for their children no matter what course is taken in the decision. It would help greatly if only factual information and honesty prevails.
One of the sources of
One of the sources of funds for charter schools is ADA(Average Daily Attendance)These are public funds that come from the state of California. The ADA goes to the School District that the Charter is related to then is redirected to the Charter. This money would normally go to the District but is diverted to the Charter and provides less funding to the District because the ADA at the School District is reduced.
Some of the money to run charters comes from donations from powerful interest. Like Banks, Corporations, Walton family(Walmart) , Eli Broad, Bill Gates. I see this as a end run around the voucher process that was shot down through a vote of the people. This public money should be used for open public Schools and let the charters use the Donations from Bill Gates, Eli Broad, and Walmart to run there schools. The Most powerful thing we can give our children is a free and open learning environment.
If we create a two level educational system we will be returning to the “separate but equal “system of the south where segregation was the norm, but was never and never would be equal. As High performing students are cherry picked out of Public Education you can see what would be left with less money and low income Students unable to travel to go to Charters. It would be the haves and the have-nots. That is not why our how our public education system was created. Currently California is in the 40’s in funding of our schools in the United States. We used to be first.
These are some of the Question I have:
Who made the decisions to lower school funding?
What special interest gains from lower school funding?
Does less funding mean lower performance?
Does lower performance lead to Charters?
I don’t know the answers. I believe we all need to think before we act.
Seems that the State of
Seems that the State of California has established some state criteria for Charter School funding. All the better, 'Larryiso'.
Your second paragraph parrots what I stated in a above comment; how Charters are sponsored and funded (for the most part, that is). Normally states, or local governments do not get involved, or the basis of the funding gets firewalled, and the Charter School gets micromanaged by local government sub-divisions. Not good at all!
I would doubt that any Charter School, not the one I were involved in in another state in the southwest at least, would be akin to the Old South type of schools where Blacks...you know...the ones you tend to be speaking of and referring to...are stupid, low-class, and cannot learn anything, to the White, mid to upper classes, clean clothes, smart kids with futures. Not really accurate speaking, Larryiso. If your "iso" in your name references "International Standards Organization", you best change or rethink your screen name. It does not apply to Charters. By the way, this school in concept, would be very well attended and operated where all are virtually equal, Larry. If allowed to operate the way it should without any District interferences.
I'd like to see what the People of the Piru/Fillmore area have to say about your questions; although I could answer them from my experience level with Charters. I think and agree with you, that everyone should become FULLY AWARE of all ramifications of this Charter proposal before they consider it good for their area and of course, the students!