Posted by sawyerfamily on March 5, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From someone who has been thru this process in PVSD - parent testimonials mean nothing - every school has them and they are all essentially the same. Every school does have it's own unique programs, but the only thing that will peruade the board is dollars and cents. You must show them (with real facts and statistics) that closing your school will not save the district any money.

Posted by pschmid on March 5, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of the schools in this district have their supporters. That is just a fact. My child, a GATE student, attends a Title 1 school and is receiving what I deem to be an outstanding eduction. This is because of parent, teacher, staff and student involvement. So the concept of better/worse schools doesn't fly with me. API scores mean nothing when comparing schools.

I do feel bad for the changes that students will have to go through, especially those in the higher grades who will have to make the transition from 4th at one school to 5th at another school to junior high. That, is the real tragedy in all of this. My child may be in this scenario and that will be the most difficult part.

As far as declining property values, that's life folks. You may have picked your homes for the school close by, but it doesn't mean that those schools will stay for ever. This may sound cold, but Prop 13 is the real trouble behind property values/taxes, local school districts and budget troubles...and the voters pushed this into place and are unwilling to even revisit it.

I am truly sorry for any school to close, but this is the reality that we face. Budget deficits, poor spending choices, and unwillingness to even talk about tax increase, etc. caused all of this. Now we pay the piper.

I, for one, will use it as a teaching lesson for my child. Nothing is secure in life and you need to learn to be resilient. We will miss the schools, but will embrace the new one with the same passion that we had for the old one.

Off my soapbox...next...

Posted by michaeleelaine on March 5, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Taking University Elementary away will also be taking parents with special education students rights away. If our only choice is a school that has an SDC program it will be an uphill battle to have our children integrated and placed in the least restrictive environment. According to the IDEA's LRE or mainstreaming policy, school districts are required to educate students with disabilities in regular classrooms with their nondisabled peers, in the school they would attend if not disabled, to the maximum extent appropriate. Our family fought to get out of an SDC program and moved to our neighborhood school with support from regular education teacher and a resource room for added educational services. I can only image what will happen to the children when the only option will be the SDC program because the district now has one in every school.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 5, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It appears Mr. Contini's quote regarding ponds is correct; a pond has become stagnant since it has not been circulated frequently. That pond is the CVUSD Board of Education. It is not only time to circulate the pond, but time to organize a community effort to systematically replace each and every member of the Board.

Contrary to Mr. Contini's statement, the Board has demonstrated it will cave to parent pressure. I am sure the vote of the Board at the next meeting will demonstrate to what extent. Mr. Dunn himself has gone on record indicating he is influenced by the parents.

Certain members of the Board have acknowledged little or no responsibility for hiring practices, approval of budgets or review of policies. Mr. Dunn must have caught a case of the forget-me-nots from more senior members as he seems to have no recollection of the positions created and approved during his tenure as Board member. And let’s not forget that for all of Mr. Dunn's attempts to distance himself from the group, Mr. Dunn has voted affirmatively on each and every action regarding the school closure process.

This is also quite a cunning group. Members of the community, out of desperation, have given this Board exactly what it wants: the opportunity to tap further into your wallets to fund this district by adding a tax.

While driving students from the district, let’s drive more business and commerce from the area. Can you say that you have seen the benefits of the additional monies raised by the 1/4% sales tax for Law Enforcement in Ventura County? Probably not. We can, however, read about the DA's office and Sheriff fighting and litigating about who gets to spend the additional revenue.

Mr. Dunn has raised the issue of the District's desire to possibly float a bond, an assertion that Dr. Baarstad has vehemently denied. Clearly no need now. You have offered to do the work for them in the form of a parcel tax or sales tax. It is beyond comprehension why this community would want to give the current board any more money to squander. Other local Unified school districts spend up to $8,000 per student, approximately $1,200 more than CVUSD. They are not closing schools. It would be easier and simpler to just give the monies you are proposing to raise through taxes on your own property and purchases to the Conejo Schools Foundation.

Face it people, no matter how many times you kiss the frogs in this pond, you will never find a prince or princess. You will only continue to get warts and further propel the spread of the hypocrisy plague over the Conejo Valley.

Posted by pschmid on March 5, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, I respectfully disagree. Lets look at the facts:

1. School closure was brought up several years ago, but parents have only become passionate recently, once they knew that their children's schools are on the potential chopping block.

2. The board asked for a recommendation (let me emphasize this...a recommendation...from the facility committee) for a list of schools. Maple and Ladera brought up very valid points about well established programs for autism that are difficult to move (and my child is in neither of these schools). The board listened to this, removed them from closure, and asked for an new listing. It was also apparent in the initial evaluation that there were incorrect numbers and calculations...blame the facilities committee for that...but understand they are human.

3. Prior to Prop 13, California had an outstanding school system...now, almost 30 years later, we have one that is not near as good and very, very poorly funded. My child's art, PE, library, etc. are supported in large part through the PFA. We teach to the test...idiotic in my opinion...People want services, but don't want to pay for them. They want schools to remain open, but aren't willing to raise their own taxes.

4. We are losing students because of demographics...too expensive housing (see Prop 13) and fewer families moving or staying in the area. Look at the demographics...the facts are clear.

5. I seriously doubt that there is a "secret" agenda to get a parcel or sales tax. But why not even talk about it...oh yes, we are taking money from people's wallets...sorry, you get what you pay for...I don't buy the conspiracy theory.

6. This is a good school system...but we are going to have budget cuts on top of those already occurring...

Again, we are going to close two schools, unless we pay for them. Yes, you can vote for new board members...they will still face the same issues...

Posted by jsvitenko on March 5, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First, since the closing of two schools will save the district only 1% of the total CVSD budget, it is absurd to hurt the lives of nearly 700 families and voters in the city by closing two schools. Notice that central T.O. schools are the only ones feeling the pain while Westlake and Newberry Park aren't even considered. This is absurd because when you look at the statistics on the CVSD web site one school in Westlake's class size has been cut in half from 120 students to 60 students for the lower grades (#1 in declining enrollment) and a school in NB has the second fastest decline in enrollment. Put them together and it accounts for nearly 55% of the decline in enrollment-2 schools. Central T.O. schools are doing great, attracting their neighborhood kids, maintaining enrollment except 5 or 6 kids here and there. And most importantly we're all near full capacity. I know University and Aspen both are full. But unbelievably the P2 criteria used by the district gave an F grade to the schools that are full and successful, and a A+ to schools at 60% capacity where 170-90 students choice out of those schools. I think our excellent CVSD teachers need to teach the district how grading works: 90% successful, full shools should be graded an A, 60% means room for improvement or a failing grade. We must be the only distict in the country that punishes the schools with high API scores, balanced diversity (University has 20%-- it is the closest balanced since the perfect balance is 26% to match the district demographic numbers), and nearly every class is full of neighborhood kids who walk to school and improve the environment. I think we are living in a backward universe. If the board can't see the clear lack of common sense missing here, at the very least they should delay the vote. Goodluck to all the schools!

FYI: I'd be willing to lead a 20 school district fundraiser, "Save our Schools/District" to show the board we mean business and we as parents can make a difference. Every parent needs to wake up today. Last night the board indicated more closures will be coming soon. Let's get moving and work together today. Thanks for your time.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 5, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Facts are like statistics. It is all in how you interpret what is presented.

We have a good school system, even after Prop 13. Why? We have a solid foundation made up of great kids, great parents and great teachers. People make that happen. Effective teachers work where they are happy.

We are already, as you pointed out, paying for programs and services through PFA and PTA programs. So why do we need a tax?

Not only has school closure been a topic for years, so has school choice and achievement gaps. There have been vocal parents, but nobody was listening or cared until it was about "me" not "them."

Budgets come and go based on what priorities are set. Clearly two new schools was a priority in the past decade, just as budgets were in question and discussions of declining enrollment and potential need for closure were also happening. Coincidentally we now need to close two schools. Based on all the arguments, housing costs were skyrocketing which only further illustrates poor management. Based laws of gravity...what goes up....

The Board and members of the community judge schools based on flawed data referred to as API scores. Based on this flawed data, parent makes decisions about where to send their children.

Even if schools close, there will be schools for children to attend. The problem is that parents only want to attend the school in their neighborhood or the neighborhood they would like to live in.

The same Board has asked for recommendations, but has their own stated agenda regarding what schools they feel should close and hide behind the hard work of decent people on the Facilities Committee to take the blame.

All schools can remain open. For those who desire their own special worlds, they can pay for them. Isn't that the threat anyway?

You are correct; you get what you pay for. If you want a place to call your own, pay for it. I haven't heard anyone say they would turn down money to keep a particular school open. Put up or....

Why is it ok for any of us to pay more money to keep schools open that are not operating in a cost effective manner or because a few don't like the options?

Throwing money at a problem won't make it go away. Facing the reality of the lack of affordability and rising costs means cutting back.

It appears some of the most effective schools are also large schools. These are schools that also have a great sense of pride and community. Bigger is not always better, but if it balances the budget why is it a bad thing.

Taxes may not be a conspiracy but kudos to Dido in her ability to capitalize on another solution outside the purview of the District. Taxes are a simple short term bandage to a long term problem that needs practical, not necessarily POPULAR, solutions to solve. Tax and spend, where have I heard that before.

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." Chinese Proverb - Author Unknown

Posted by insideinfo on March 5, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Budget cuts without school closures was an original of 6 options proposed to the board. Only trustee Dunn favored this option to balance the budget.
Dan Goldberg found on www.ed-data.com a net increase of 27 admistrative and pubil services positions while enrollment only went up 33 students. Figures were from 2003-7. Figure 55,000 per position and that gives you 1.4 million dollars in extra cost. The union opposes a hiring freeze.

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 5, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pschmid sounds like an apologist for this weak, ineffective board-in particular, the "gang of 4".
Parents from Meadows and University need to begin
the procedure now for re-constituting these schools as charters. State Prop. 39 enables charters to open/operate on school district properties where there is space-well, there will be plenty of space at 2 closed elementary schools.
This CVUSD Board will soon become irrelevant!!

Posted by marym1132 on March 5, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My child attends Glenwood Elementary. I say close the two schools with the smallest attendance - end of story. If that included Glenwood, than so be it. Of course I do not want to see teachers or other staff members out of a job, but this seems to be the most reasonable and fair way to choose which schools will go.

Posted by aloparc on March 5, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Demographics are not the reason CVUSD enrollment is declining, the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that K-5 aged children are projected to increase 9% through 2016. (See pg 5 of the pdf file – Elementary and Secondary Enrollment – first paragraph)
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2008/2008060.pdf

In March of 2005 CVUSD had the highest enrollment figures it had ever obtained. Real Estate prices had peaked and were beginning to level off. (Note all these kids are already are living here). But by the fall of 2005 something changed drastically. Over 500 fewer k-5 students returned to CVUSD classrooms in the fall of 2005. So what changed?
(Enrollment figures provided in fall 2007 meeting on school closures per Jeff Baarstad)

In March of 2005 the school board refused to give parents a choice to use traditional math instead of the “whole math” program called Everyday Math.
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2005/0324...
By Sept. 2005 over 500 fewer K-5 students returned to CVUSD classrooms - enough to close one school.
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2005/0602...

In the summer of 2006 the school board election again highlighted the district’s grossly inferior Everyday Math program along with the lagging API Similar Schools scores for CVUSD that are 40% dependent on student math achievement.

By the fall of 2006 an additional 400 K-5 CVUSD students left the district, enough to close a second school.

CVUSD uses a math program that does not teach the standard algorithms and does NOT require mastery of the basic fundamentals to automaticity. CVUSD’s Everyday Math program is crippling the ability of many of our students to go into the fields of medicine, science, and engineering.

In an affluent community, any school district which refuses to provide the academic challenge its customers want, will find itself on the loosing end of that battle and suffering declining enrollment.

Raising taxes will not reverse declining enrollment, nor will it keep all of CVUSD schools open. The district continues to make poorly advised financial decisions with little regard for the consequences.

EVERYDAY MATH = DECLINING ENROLLMENT

CVUSD needs to reject Everyday Math this spring when it comes up for renewal.

The decision to close schools can be reversed, but only if the two incumbents (Beaubian and Didio) are replaced by the voters.

John Andersen has indicated he may run for school board this fall, he would be a strong advocate on behalf of parents and students. Write his name down now and remember him at the ballot box this fall.

Posted by pschmid on March 5, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

koolwhazzup:

I am not an opportunist for any board, nor do I care who is on the board...that is offensive...speak for yourself, not for me. I'm trying to have an respectful discussion and am pointing out that anybody who runs for the school board has to deal with the realities of budgets. If you want to propose charter schools, fine. I don't find them anything special.

lunachick4life:

I'm not saying we need a new tax, just that all alternatives need to be discussed. I find it strange in this state that we don't talk about spending AND revenue problems when it come to public budgets...and I believe there are both in this state. And the problem with PFA/PTA funding these programs is that they involvement changes from year to year, so the funding is not stabilized. Please don't put word in my mouth...I didn't say tax and spend...I said you get what you pay for...and I believe it. There isn't such a thing a free lunch.

Posted by LucyG on March 5, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen marym1132.

Why do the parents of the Conejo Valley feel they can step on others to accomplish their goals? Probably because Mr. Dunn has encouraged such behavior. I am sick and tired of hearing him mocking our concerns by asking stupid questions.
Last night he was asking about the hiring of staff, I’m sorry Mr. Dunn, but it is my understanding that YOU have approved every one of those new employees. Then he says he wants to consider the tax increase to save schools after he has voted EVERY time to close the schools. To top it all, after he claims to be the only board member who does not have special interest groups funding him, he proceeds to ask the teachers union what their feelings are. Is he for real? Does he want to put teachers against parents?
WE NEED HIM OUT. He is not a Team player and has way too many agendas on the plate. Last night while parents were pouring their hearts out Mr. Dunn was checking out his email or bidding on ebay. COME ON people why are you all blinded about him?

If you still think he represents you, last night Mr. Dunn proceeded to sit next to Cathy Carlson to have a “chat” after the meeting. Was she feeding him his questions via email? Mrs. Carlson is the person who instigated all the attacks to one of the Title 1 schools in Newbury Park. Her remarks were offensive, untrue and very damaging. She is also the ranting lunatic that goes to board meetings to hear herself speak.

I say if you want an effective board, start by choosing people who respect their constituents.

Posted by RickyR on March 5, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where were you all two YEARS ago when school closures where proposed? I’ll tell you where, NOT at the Board meetings. So now due to our State’s economy and frankly the Nation’s we are facing REALITY. I do not want to see any schools closed. However, if it came to buildings vs. programs and quality of education, I will always vote for the programs.

My kids are now facing going to a Title 1 school and unlike many of the speakers there last night, I will welcome the experience. I have only heard amazing things about Title 1 schools, I am ashamed to have ever thought APIs where important. My husband pointed out to me that none of his employees ever have to disclose what their API in elementary school was.

I have heard all sides of the argument and I believe it has not been the Board’s intent to put neighbors against neighbors, but we the parents have done that. I was appalled last night when all I kept hearing save my school, save my school…how about save OUR children’s education!
One of the things that also changed my mind about taking my children to a Title 1 schools were the negative comments I hear being whispered. Calling the INS on our immigrant families? Sorry, but morally I can’t be part of any movement that degrades other children in order to “save” mine.
I am now looking forward to exposing my children to the great communities that the Title 1 schools have to offer. If the parents of Park Oaks were the example then I think my children will learn about being hard workers, respectful Americans.

I am officially moving to the “other” side of the tracks (freeway), where money is not used to threaten others.

Posted by pschmid on March 5, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RickyR said:
"...save OUR children’s education..."

well said! This is the kind of parent involvement that will make our schools great places. Again, my child attends a title 1 school and the experience has been great. He works with other kids who need extra help and has learned as much from them, as they have from him. He is exposed to a diverse environment and learns to respect others (something parents in this community seem to forget sometimes)...it is about our children...we are a community.

Posted by RickyR on March 5, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last night's meeting opened my eyes. Why are we afraid of diversity? Why are we hiding behind APIs? Why do we feel that our children do better when they are not attending schools with the disadvantaged Title 1 students? When I reflected upon those questions I can’t come up with a logical answer.

I went online to compare demographics and Title 1 students who are not low socioeconomics and language learners are doing just as well, or better than students enrolled in other schools. So why are we so fearful?

This after all is CA not Montana. A certain level of diversity is expected. My friends who live out of State and come to visit often compare Thousand Oaks to the Stepson’s Wife movie. Are we so intolerant that our differences make us enemies?
I want to teach my kids tolerance and respect; therefore I will not partake in anything that puts one school against the other. Even if my current school has higher APIs and great art. Last night I realized that no matter where my kids went, as long as it was in the Conejo Valley, they will get the curriculum necessary for their success.

Posted by marym1132 on March 5, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another brief comment from my earlier post -

Parents who are using the threats of putting their children in private schools or will turn to home schooling - - why aren't those children already in private schools and/or being home schooled? I bet 90% of them are saying right now - because we (I) can't afford it.

Posted by Gatordad on March 5, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Was anyone else surprised to see how Tim Stevens seemed to be finding all kinds of ways to keep Meadows open but didn't say anything in defense of the other schools? He was the Principal for Meadows for many years. I'm wondering how impartial he can be in this.

Posted by carefulnow on March 5, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last night I was struck by how passionate everyone was about their neighborhood school. Nobody wanted theirs to close. The specialness of each and every one came out loud and clear in all the parent testimonials. And each had its own strengths, just as our children do, as we do. It wasn't about the school building, it was about the community!
Because both Beaubien and Didio said that these closures were just the tip of the iceberg, I think it's important for all the schools to come together to look for solutions - instead of reactions - to the problems we have:
1 Enrollment declining
2 Cost cutting
3 Revenue raising
Our school may be spared this time, but whose will be next? We shouldn't wait to find out; we should unite and FIGHT for our children and community!

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 5, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pschmid-you need to become educated about charters-your statement that you "don't find them anything special" illustrates that you need to learn more.
How about direct funding from the state without going through a stifling system like CVUSD, a local Board of Directors at each school to make budget and personnel decisions that directly affect the staff and students-as in more money!!
BTW that's apologist, not "opportunist"!!

Posted by pschmid on March 5, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

koolwhazzup:

Thank you for the "civil" conversation. This a posting place for those to express their view, not belittle others...I am quite familiar with charter schools, thank you. You may support them, if you wish. Some are good, some are not so good. They don't appeal to me.

Again, please speak for yourself and not others.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 5, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all due respect, pschmid it appears you are suggesting the tax is a good idea. Why discuss alternatives that are not going to do anything but temporarily create a panacea? How soon we all forget. Can you say subprime mortgage? And be sure, if you tax, they will spend! My words, not yours.

My stand is clear. We don't have money to spend, so don't spend it. We have been told we are getting MUCH less. So STOP spending and make the necessary cuts: DO is a great place to start. Isn't that called fiscal responsibility? Last time I checked the only thing that grew on the Great Oak trees were ACORNS, not dollars.

Without a doubt there is a problem in any financial operation; home, corporate or government that does not discuss revenue and spending in the same sentence. Look no further than the success of credit card companies and the value of the dollar.

Propose a revenue generating solution that is reliable and not contingent upon the economy or other outside factors and I will show you a Hilton, Rockefeller, or Gates.

My point about PTA/PFA funding is that we are already supporting schools. Would your school benefit as much from a tax distribution than from direct pass through of PTA funds? We don't need to add another layer of bureaucracy via the tax man to find workable solutions.

When as a community we get back to the business of our children and their education and off the elitist agenda of what is best for “me and mine” we will all find the answers have been here the whole time. Our judgment and perceptions have been clouded by misperception and fear. Now isn’t that a sad commentary on our community and society.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 5, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey insideinfo, Dunn voted to close schools. If he really believed his position, votes would not have been 5-0 on all matters regarding school closure since the "offical process" started in December.

Posted by Joda on March 5, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, where do I begin? In previous articles, others wrote about the need for electing new school board members. After the meeting last night, I can’t agree more.

First of all, I am disappointed at the process, but even more so disheartened with:

Tim Stephens: It was so obvious that he wants to close Glenwood. He has spoken out against Title One Schools. I cannot believe he brought up the idea of bringing portables to Meadows’ campus, at the minimum cost of $30,000 each to create more capacity! I thought the school closure process was an effort to save money…not spend more money! Yes, he is the former principal of Meadows, so he is biased and could not make it more obvious!

Mike Dunn: He voted for School Closure, the primary criteria, the secondary criteria, the revised criteria…all along he has voted to continue with the school closure process, but his words contradict his actions. In other words, he is a hypocrite.

Didio and Beaubien: They are up for re-election. We must find new board members to replace them who represent the people who will also “think outside the box” such as a .025% sales tax revenue.

Bottom line: We need new Board Members. Any suggestions, names, potential candidates to replace the incumbents?

One more thing: Isn’t there a hiring freeze? If so, why is the district advertising a position for a Dean of Middle School Students? One again: lack of trustworthiness, consistency, and credibility.

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 6, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pschmid-

You are the one "whining" about money-and flaunting your student's Title I "great" school-

Charter Schools are a way of having "local" control
and increasing school budgets-something most parents in this district want-what are your solutions?

Wake up and smell the chalk dust!

Posted by RickyR on March 6, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to make sure you all know all the facts. The Feds are NOT funding Charter schools for 2008, I called. There is no federal funding available.

Also per law, only a minimal % of your magnet school is made up by your neighborhood children (30%). Magnet schools have NO boundaries, anyone can attend. Attendance is picked as a lottery so all of you that think will be able to attend Meadows, you will NOT.

This District will not support Charters. You may have to find another District to incorporate with, it can be done, but Pleasant Valley had to go to Oxnard Unified. Yikes!

Posted by VCSreader on March 6, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There ARE alternatives to closing ANY schools!! Contini himself has stated the following: "How can we criticize the Governor and the Legislature for failing to propose tax increases to reduce to cuts to the State Education Budget, and then fail to investigate that option to address budget problems in our own school district?"

True! Similarly, how can we also criticize our President for not admitting his error in judgment by keeping troops in Iraq this long, when our school district won't admit THEIR error in judgment by sending 6th grade to middle school years ago? They need to admit that doing so showed very poor foresight! And why won't they at least CONSIDER reversing that decision now?

The district has said that the cuts necessary to continue to support Meadows and University would not justify keeping them open given the significant loss of elementary students experienced over the past five years.

Again, VERY true! We HAVE lost way too many students in the past 5 years- but NOT just because of the cost of living in our community! A HUGE reason for the loss of students (though of course not the only one) is the district's refusal to give up the ridiculous Everyday Math program!!!

So, we have a school board who REFUSES to change decisions they have made, regardless of the negative impact they have on the budget, enrollment, or community!

To avoid closing ANY schools, the school board needs to START WITH the following:

1. Bring 6th grade back to the elementary level where it belongs. Our 11 year old kids are too young to be exposed to what is happening at the middle school level anyhow. Furthermore, our middle schools are TOTALLY impacted. It seems pretty simple to me- if the elementary schools are undercrowded, & the middle schools are overcrowded, why not go for a win-win situation?

2. Cut all the spending that is not necessary (i.e. millions of dollars each and every year spent on "consumable" textbooks that just get thrown in the trash~ which is also terrible for the environment!)

3. Propose MODERATE tax increases to support our schools and update technology in the classrooms.

4. Get RID of Everyday Math! This program is holding back our students and setting them up to fail when they have to compete against their peers from other districts who actually know how to divide and multiply, and it is DOUBLE or triple the cost of much more effective, comprehensive math programs. In addition, whether the board wants to admit it or not, we HAVE lost students to other districts because of this math curriculum. If we eliminate it, who knows- they just MIGHT return!!!!!!!

Posted by VCSreader on March 6, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

School closures should be the very LAST resort, not just because the community loves their schools and teachers, but because the only thing that will happen if the board goes through with the closures is MORE families leaving the district! You don't solve declining enrollment with something that will lead to the loss of more kids!!! Get a clue, CVUSD School Board!!!!!

Posted by lunachick4life on March 6, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.conejo.k12.ca.us/Portals/0...(3-6-08).pdf

So they don't even have the money and they are already proposing ways to spend it. I heard it was to keep schools open. Now it is to improve technology.

To make the case for needing more money, they are now saying a third school in 2010. What then, another tax?

I am sure everyone is reaping the benefit of the $25 parcel tax recieved by CRPD. Learn from those lessons. Once the money is in the hands of the district, it will no longer be your money, it will be theirs to spend. Just like Tex said about the CRPD funds, they were "his to spend."

No new tax. Just donate your money to the Conejo Schools Foundation. They will direct it as you request.

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 6, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To RickyR-
The STATE of California funds Charter Schools, not the feds!! The law is clear, read the Ed Code!
If CVUSD won't approve a charter, then the applications can go directly to the County and/or the State.
State Prop. 39 allows Charters to obtain space at schools where there is room-with possibly 2 empty campuses, parents have a whole year to organize a
Math-Science Magnet Charter and an Arts-Music Academy.
It's time to get away from CVUSD and their feeble excuses about why nothing can be done!!
Also, the Conejo Schools Foundation is corrupt-forget about giving them money-organize charter schools and make CVUSD irrelevant!!

Posted by lunachick4life on March 6, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Kool, put down the whip and chill out.

I believe Meadows parents have been made aware of their options regarding Charter Schools and the surrounding districts that are supportive of those Charters. They will decide their future. Question, are the teachers and Administrators at Meadows willing to go with their parents and beloved school to form the charter? From what I heard, it is not only about the building, it is about the families, students and staff.

And since there is room at Glenwood and Park Oaks, would they be willing to have their charter located there. Ed. Code doesn't give them the right to use whatever facilites, just at schools with room....

And really, would you prefer to have a tax benefit or just pay a tax? Different evils just pick the terms by which you want to remain indebted.

Oh, and while everyone is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to vote themselves a tax increase, why don't you get a guarantee IN WRITING that the district will NOT have to close any schools in the next 20 years. I bet it won't happen because once they have your money they will do whatever else they want including 101 reasons why they continue to have a financial short-fall.

Posted by RickyR on March 6, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, that was a typo, I meant magnet schools, did not mean charters. The feds do not have the funds for magnets right now. Checked and confirmed again.

Truthfully, with all the budget cuts that are happening in CA, good luck finding funds for charters. With school closures happening in 60% of the school districts in CA, don't you think there will be an increase in charter school requests? The money can only be stretched so far.

Best wishes to all.

Posted by aloparc on March 6, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The cost per pupil to educate students in public charter schools is far less than at district public schools. The state makes out like a bandit when charters open because they pay far less for educating each student.

The state loves to open charter schools.

A meeting needs to be held at the T.O. Library (preferably before March 18th) for parents interested in starting a charter school at one of the closed campuses. And not just a charter for grades K-5 it could be a K-8 (or even 9).

A group of well educated parents and hopefully some highly experienced (retired) teachers would need to serve as board members to vote on decisions to implement programs and policy as wanted by the parents who would attend the charter.

The way to attract top teachers to the charter is to offer salaries better than the district offers.

I will be the first to sign my kid up for a Core Knowledge Charter that uses direct instruction and teaches students to mastery using Saxon Math and Singapore Challenging word problems.

The fight against Everyday Math in CVUSD has given me the opportunity to work with individuals serving at the highest levels of Education Policy and Research. These contacts could be of invaluable help in getting the charter up and running and perhaps a number of them may agree to serve in an advisory capacity. I believe the founder of Green Dot Charter Schools is also very approachable and would likely provide a wealth of information.

Come on CVUSD Parents and retired teachers, what are we waiting for?

What do you say Koolwhazup and VCSreader?

Posted by aloparc on March 6, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Peach Hill Academy Core Knowledge School in Moorpark has managed to grow it's enrollment for each year that CVUSD has dropped.

http://www.mrpk.org/ph/Home/CoreKnowl...

What is more impressive is that subgroup figures from the Star testing indicate the Peach Hill Academy has made a significant move toward balancing the ethic mix of the student population which appears to have been initially predominately Latino.

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 7, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To Aloparc-
Wow, someone here finally "gets it" - thanks for doing research on Charters.
With 2 campuses threatened with closure, there could be a Math-Science and an Arts-Music Academy
K-8 plus CVUSD has to provide space under State Prop. 39 for charters-since there will be room.
Organizers have a whole year plus to put this together or for sure Green Dot or another operator would jump at this opportunity.
Many teachers from this area will be interested and the governance of these schools can consist of the many competent parents and community members
that live here. (local control)
There will be significantly more funding since these charters will be independent of CVUSD.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 7, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/...

If you plan on home schooling on your own, check this out. Conejo's Home School program is closed to new enrollment.

Moorpark Unified has a different configuration for their schools. If you check they don't have K-5 configurations. They have K-2, 3-5 thereby forcing the issue of integrating schools that have been predominantly lopsided.

Is that an option that Conejo is willing to explore?

Posted by aloparc on March 8, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Luna Chick-

The Moorpark Peach Hill Academy has K-5 currently and they are improving the mix without forced integration, people choose to go there because they want to, not because it is the only game in town.

http://www.mrpk.org/ph/StaffDirectory...
click on the link and you will see they list teachers in every grade level

Posted by aloparc on March 8, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kool Whazzup -

If you are serious about starting a charter school, and by serious I mean you are willing to put in time to see it happen, I am very interested in talking with you.

Posted by aloparc on March 8, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kool-
Starting 2 charters would be difficult for an initial outing. Better to start with one, and if it is over subscribed start the second one. Best to get it right and then duplicate the effort on the second one.

I don't see any reason to separate music from science and math. I would want my son to be able to play an instrument or have chorus available as well as learn math and science.

Posted by koolwhazzup on March 8, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

aloparc-

My vote would be to involve an independent charter operator (Green Dot, etc.) and have them make a presentation to parent groups-or contact the California Charter Schools Assoc. and have them assist.
As a retired 38 year teacher, I'm willing to work for this but there needs to be at least 50-60% support from parents, teachers and other stakeholders at whatever school might be closed.
Even if no schools are closed, I think there might be enough interest at one or more schools that wish to convert to a charter.(Combine schools for a conversion, etc.)
Math/Science and Arts/Music wouldn't separate- just more emphasis in these particular subjects-it would depend on how the charter was written.

Posted by Joda on March 8, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Alopar & Kool -
Just an fyi that there are teachers, administrators, counselors, etc. that would interested in working at a charter school. However, since the district has said it would not support it, many of these people have to tread carefully because their involvement in starting a charter school may put their jobs at risk. Have you notice that very few teachers have spoken at board meetings and that NO principals have spoken at the last several board meetings to school closure? Thus, many CVUSD employees would love to work at a charter school, yet their hands are tied for now. How can they/ we all hook up?

Posted by MAC on March 8, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The CVUSD does not a policy for charter schools. I was told we would follow state guidelines. I have been in touch with another schools who have started charter schools. I also am in the process of hopeful getting information we could use from these
schools (in other words why re-invent the wheel). LET'S TAKE THE DECISION OUT OF THEIR HANDS!!!!

Posted by lunachick4life on March 8, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

aloparc

So you are saying the monies raised by taxes should be used at the Title 1 schools to develop these desired programs: Core Knowledge, Math/Science, Arts Magnets, etc.

You have proven that integration is possible and the district must be instrumental in making that happen as Moorpark has at Flory, Walnut Canyon and Peach Hill: magnet, magnet and Core Knowledge respectively. Otherwise your schools are in affluent neighborhoods and in the configurations mentioned.

Thanks for supporting the need to magnetize the Title 1 schools.

Kool

Humm, Cathy Carlson is a retired educator with 38 years experience...Dangerous liaisons.

MAC

CVUSD may not have a policy but Jeff Baarstad has, in direct response to speakers who addressed Charter formation, stated the CVUSD will not support their formation. There were also veiled threats to staff that would leave. Watch the board meeting for yourself.

Many of these teachers who have spoken about Meadows are veterans with a great deal on the line. Everyone knows they are the some of the best paid with a solid benefits package. Are they that committed?

Oxnard may have just approved two new charters for PVSD. Apparently they see the financial benefit. Oh yes, generating revenue.

Posted by MAC on March 8, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course the district will not support a charter school it is money out of their pockets. The County Superitendent of Schools can override the CVUSD board in regards to a charter.
With all those budget cuts (6 million) you can not tell me there will not be teachers cut.
If a child is in private school the district is not receiving any money from the state for that child. So why shouldn't we use it? The state would still be paying for our child's education and we would not be putting out extra money for private shool. It is a win win scenerio for parents.

Posted by aloparc on March 8, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kool - Joda - MAC

Kool - your idea about bringing in existing charter operators for an informational meeting makes perfect sense. But having to get 50-60% of the parents at the schools to be closed I would hope doesn't have to be the goal. Parents could come from all over the district, as could teachers. I think we can approach this as getting the school space we need, not as having to get a whole school to flip to a charter.

I think Green Dot usually targets failing (low SES) school districts and grabs the existing staff and administrators for their programs. Starting a charter in a higher SES community might be approached differently, I just haven't read enough about High SES charters, as mostly the low SES programs get the press.

The following link is to the Princeton Story about how parents gave up trying to get the school board to provide what they wanted and started their own charter school - I suggest everyone who wants to help with this project read it.
Why Charter Schools: The Princeton Story
http://www.edexcellence.net/doc/wcs.pdf

Joda - We don't have to start with contacting teachers/principals that are currently employed with CVUSD, you offer them jobs once the parent board has worked out all the details. The charter school would want to hire teachers and principals that share the same view and goals as stated in the charter towards academics and student discipline. There are many points of view, and you want staff that is willing to support the charter's mission.

You need to start with forming the charter board. Nothing would get accomplished until a group of adults forms that is willing to put in the time and effort to make the charter happen. The hardest part will be getting the board to agree on the form the school and academics should take for the charter, again we all have different ideas of what a good school would look like.

The library meeting room is available during the middle of the week for about $85. Getting the word out for parents to attend an informational meeting (in hopes of getting more parents and retired teachers to volunteer to work on getting the charter going) could be done by passing out fliers at the March 18th school board meeting, and giving fliers out at Boy Scout troops, hair cutting salons, Super Markets, Little league and other sporting groups, any other place you can think of where parents go with their children. We could ask the Acorn of VCStar to write a story about the informational night at the library. We could put notices up on all the Star blogs on the articles about closing schools.

We need to get going to grab the March 18th opportunity.

Posted by aloparc on March 8, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Luna CHick -

Yes to improve Title one schools they should be converted to academic programs that parents flock to. Making such a change will promote the integration that the district seeks, without forcing parents into situations they don't want, or worse forcing them out of the district all together.

I support the charter school idea, not necessarily the magnet school approach. Just changing the name of a school to a magnet will not change bad teaching approaches and poor curriculum choices. It must be a philosophical change to instruction of students to mastery of basic concepts, not the discovery approach which seems to be prevalent in CVUSD.

BTW Cathy Carlson has a military background, not 38 years of teaching experience as you suggest.

Posted by lunachick4life on March 10, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

aloparc

I am glad we can agree that the Title I schools should become the converted academic programs, not the schools perceived as excellent. That isn't going to win any friends in this distric.

Forcing parents is not what anyone is asking the district to do. Fixing the system that created the polarization within the schools is what people are asking to remedy.

Clearly there would be reason for alarm if our Title 1 kids scored like Oxnard, but that is not the case. There is a discrepancy between the scores, but it appears on ethnic lines, not economic ones district wide. The question then becomes why aren't the "high performing" schools being effective with everyone. They score no better than Title 1 schools.

Seems you know Carlson. Then you should know she claims to be an expert in education with many years of experience. Interesting....

Posted by aloparc on March 12, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Luna Chick:

I also think I know who Kool is, based on his response of 38 years of experience, he is a good person and willing to work to improve education, I do not believe it is CC if that is what you were suggesting with your last post.

It is not possible to advocate for school improvements in this district for 4 years and not have met all of the other people who attend school district meetings. Everyone of them has the same goal, to improve matters for the kids, we just all have different ideas on how best to do it.

You are correct that no parents are asking to be forced into education situations, but that won't stop the district from doing so. They have a long record of ignoring the public and doing what they want.

Test scores follow economic status, which encompases how highly educated the parents are (better education = better jobs = higher SES).

I don't know what you mean by the discrepancy in scores, or how you determined it occurs along ethnic lines. If you could be more specific about how you determined this I could better address your thoughts.

It is abundantly clear that CVUSD schools are NOT as effective as other schools with similar socio economic make up. That is abundantly clear when reviewing the API Similar Schools scores which are comparisons of similar SES schools. Our schools have never ranked a 10 best, although Park Oaks did rank a 9 which indicates Park Oaks is doing an outstanding job of working with its students, as they score above the average for students of similar economic backgrounds.

You said: "The question then becomes why aren't the "high performing" schools being effective with everyone. They score no better than Title 1 schools."

No school I am aware of is effective with all the students, but CVUSD isn't even effective with the high performing students, that is the point of having the similar schools scores, it points directly to the fact that even CVUSD's highest scoring API schools score at the middle to bottom when compared to other similar schools.

It is difficult to explain these matters in short posts. This link explains the matter in some what more detail with links to the SBE explanations and other posts that can explain it.
http://socmm.home.att.net/cvusdranksl...

The use of Everyday Math has certainly hurt our district. 40% of the similar schools scores are based on the API math scores. Everyday Math has likely hurt poor students most since those parents can't afford tutors, and there are many parents who just don't have the skills to help their kids with "whole" math at home.