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Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Lease with United States University presents problem
830 Bay Boulevard: too much building and/or financial risk for the Chula Vista Elementary School District?
The troubled United States University is looking to break its lease on 830 Bay Boulevard in Chula Vista.
In 2013, the Reader’s Don Bauder reported the school was fined for falsifying Pell grant loan applications and shortly after was placed on probation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Bayfront Charter High School has leased classroom space from USU since 2014. If the university breaks the lease, the high school faces difficult choices. The high school is an extension of Mueller Elementary charter school, which is authorized by the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
The executive director of the charter, Dr. Kevin Riley, shared options at the December Bayfront Leadership Council. He said the school could search for alternative locations, build the program on Bay Boulevard, wait for a fluke opportunity, or start to dismantle the high school.
At a subsequent meeting, Riley told staff and parents that Carlton Management proposed a 15-year lease on the same property, at a cost of just under $10 million. As the sole lessee of 830 Bay Boulevard, the charter school would bring significant risk to the district.
Minutes from the board meetings of both Mueller Elementary and Bayfront High indicate parents and staff have concerns about the proposed lease.
These concerns were corroborated when some Mueller parents alerted the Reader to the venture. The parents fear that if Bayfront High assumes the lease, it will deplete the finances for the elementary and middle school, and they suggest that a disproportionate amount of the elementary school’s resources has already flowed to the high school.
A November 6, 2015, letter from the Chula Vista Elementary School District to Riley was obtained by the Reader. The letter, written by the assistant superintendent for business services, expressed the district’s concerns about the proposed lease.
One concern is that charters must be renewed every five years by the authorizing agent. The district opines, “there remains the possibility that Mueller could become nonoperational…as a result of voluntary dissolution, insolvency, or revocation of its charter by the District.” The 15-year lease exceeds the charter’s 5-year renewal period.
In the letter, the district redacted the proposed base rent schedule for Bayfront High. The district tells Riley:
“While the rental amounts and operating expenses for this facility may be considered reasonable in the private sector, these figures appear excessive when considering that the use of the facility is to house a charter school whose budget is derived largely, if not entirely, from public funds.”
The admonition continues, “While Mueller may be able to appropriately budget for this expense in the short term, it is difficult to project whether this would be sustainable over a [redacted] period if Mueller experienced a loss in revenues [e.g., due to declining student enrollment] or other unanticipated shortfalls.”
Then the district gives Riley some real estate advice: “We also note that under the current version of the Lease, Mueller’s payment of approximately [redacted] in rent over the [redacted] period would not entitle it to any ownership interest in the facility.”
The letter concludes by saying because the transaction and financial commitment is significant, the lease agreement should be brought before Chula Vista Elementary School board.
Some have indicated that Chula Vista Elementary trustee Glendora Trempor may have a conflict if the lease goes before the board. Trempor has a family member who attends Bayfront Charter High and sits on the Bayfront High Community Council.
In a February 17 interview, Riley said there will be a closed session workshop on February 18 at 5:00 p.m., where he hopes to gain consensus from the Bayfront board. He said the lease was just made available and confirmed that it is in the ballpark of 15 years and slightly less than $10 million.
Regarding parents’ concerns, Riley said, “I don’t know where all the hysteria comes from, but it always happens when you open a new program. We are in a financially fortunate time in the funding cycle in the state because of the Local Control funding formula.”
Bayfront has also been approved for SB740 funds. Riley said the bill, which targets low-income students, provides reimbursement for charter schools that are not on district properties. He believes 75 percent of the school’s lease will be paid through SB740 for at least five years.
“I started as principal at Mueller in 2000, developed the middle school and now the high school. I’ve put in an awful lot of time and energy into growing the program. In our opening year [Bayfront High] dipped into Mueller’s budget for a couple hundred thousand, but that’s not excessive for a start-up. Mueller’s budget will be healthy for the life of the lease.”
Disclosure: The author’s daughter is on the bargaining team for the Chula Vista Educators. The charter school is not a member of the bargaining unit. Also, the author of this article graduated from Mueller Elementary.
Here's something you might be interested in.
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Lease with United States University presents problem
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Lease with United States University presents problem
830 Bay Boulevard: too much building and/or financial risk for the Chula Vista Elementary School District?
The troubled United States University is looking to break its lease on 830 Bay Boulevard in Chula Vista.
In 2013, the Reader’s Don Bauder reported the school was fined for falsifying Pell grant loan applications and shortly after was placed on probation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Bayfront Charter High School has leased classroom space from USU since 2014. If the university breaks the lease, the high school faces difficult choices. The high school is an extension of Mueller Elementary charter school, which is authorized by the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
The executive director of the charter, Dr. Kevin Riley, shared options at the December Bayfront Leadership Council. He said the school could search for alternative locations, build the program on Bay Boulevard, wait for a fluke opportunity, or start to dismantle the high school.
At a subsequent meeting, Riley told staff and parents that Carlton Management proposed a 15-year lease on the same property, at a cost of just under $10 million. As the sole lessee of 830 Bay Boulevard, the charter school would bring significant risk to the district.
Minutes from the board meetings of both Mueller Elementary and Bayfront High indicate parents and staff have concerns about the proposed lease.
These concerns were corroborated when some Mueller parents alerted the Reader to the venture. The parents fear that if Bayfront High assumes the lease, it will deplete the finances for the elementary and middle school, and they suggest that a disproportionate amount of the elementary school’s resources has already flowed to the high school.
A November 6, 2015, letter from the Chula Vista Elementary School District to Riley was obtained by the Reader. The letter, written by the assistant superintendent for business services, expressed the district’s concerns about the proposed lease.
One concern is that charters must be renewed every five years by the authorizing agent. The district opines, “there remains the possibility that Mueller could become nonoperational…as a result of voluntary dissolution, insolvency, or revocation of its charter by the District.” The 15-year lease exceeds the charter’s 5-year renewal period.
In the letter, the district redacted the proposed base rent schedule for Bayfront High. The district tells Riley:
“While the rental amounts and operating expenses for this facility may be considered reasonable in the private sector, these figures appear excessive when considering that the use of the facility is to house a charter school whose budget is derived largely, if not entirely, from public funds.”
The admonition continues, “While Mueller may be able to appropriately budget for this expense in the short term, it is difficult to project whether this would be sustainable over a [redacted] period if Mueller experienced a loss in revenues [e.g., due to declining student enrollment] or other unanticipated shortfalls.”
Then the district gives Riley some real estate advice: “We also note that under the current version of the Lease, Mueller’s payment of approximately [redacted] in rent over the [redacted] period would not entitle it to any ownership interest in the facility.”
The letter concludes by saying because the transaction and financial commitment is significant, the lease agreement should be brought before Chula Vista Elementary School board.
Some have indicated that Chula Vista Elementary trustee Glendora Trempor may have a conflict if the lease goes before the board. Trempor has a family member who attends Bayfront Charter High and sits on the Bayfront High Community Council.
In a February 17 interview, Riley said there will be a closed session workshop on February 18 at 5:00 p.m., where he hopes to gain consensus from the Bayfront board. He said the lease was just made available and confirmed that it is in the ballpark of 15 years and slightly less than $10 million.
Regarding parents’ concerns, Riley said, “I don’t know where all the hysteria comes from, but it always happens when you open a new program. We are in a financially fortunate time in the funding cycle in the state because of the Local Control funding formula.”
Bayfront has also been approved for SB740 funds. Riley said the bill, which targets low-income students, provides reimbursement for charter schools that are not on district properties. He believes 75 percent of the school’s lease will be paid through SB740 for at least five years.
“I started as principal at Mueller in 2000, developed the middle school and now the high school. I’ve put in an awful lot of time and energy into growing the program. In our opening year [Bayfront High] dipped into Mueller’s budget for a couple hundred thousand, but that’s not excessive for a start-up. Mueller’s budget will be healthy for the life of the lease.”
Disclosure: The author’s daughter is on the bargaining team for the Chula Vista Educators. The charter school is not a member of the bargaining unit. Also, the author of this article graduated from Mueller Elementary.
Comments
If anyone wanted a better example of how charter schools are out-of-control, this is it. Oh, it's all so simple: just charter a school, and let it go out and find a location (unless the chartering district can provide some excess space), and then do its thing. Its "thing" is to show the regular public schools how to educate kids, and just soar. Ahh, but all these charters get complicated, don't they?
This "Dr" Kevin Riley pulls out the old excuses. The controversy is "hysteria", and blames that on the program being new. It doesn't sound hysterical to me, and the misgivings expressed by many people are based on facts. After the scandals in So County school districts, it appears as if the Chula Vista district is proceeding cautiously and carefully. For that, they are to be commended. The next round of school scandals will be, I confidently predict, about charter schools and misuse of tax money. Just where that will happen isn't clear, but let's all fervently hope it isn't in southern San Diego County.
Someone could, and someone SHOULD write a book on the weaknesses and plain wrongheadedness of the charter school "system" in California.
You're a pretty good writer. I bet you could also be an excellent editor and convince several people to write chapters on different segments of the problem. And then have forums somewhere in the mix, so that all citizens have a chance to become aware of what is going on!
Full disclosure: I have family members attending Bayfront (BCHS) and a charter school east of 805. Visduh: Meetings were held with parents of BCHS 9th & 10th grades last month to discuss the future of the school (Gloria Tremper was not in attendance) I went into the meetings upset that the school's future hinged on USU's decision to relocate or not. Apparently, USU's CEO decided to pull the plug on the sublease to Bayfront last year and reduced the number of classrooms promised, which limited the number of incoming 9th grade students. (USU's intending to relocate... why the then CEO would not want a sublease in the meantime, is anyones guess?) Hallelujah that CVESD is proceeding with caution (as a 20+ year, west of 805 homeowner), I am appreciative of that. Yes, BCHS parents are concerned--this charter school and staff have delivered on all promises and built a great program. I am thankful for Mueller Elem and MCLA staff for their sacrifices in establishing BCHS. BVAVS* My previous experience with charter schools was disappointing and I did not believe that Bayfront would deliver the services and education they promised in the first year. I can attest that Dr. Riley, and BCHS staff are engaged and in it for the students.
This article proves that there are plenty of eyes on Bayfront. Concerned staff at Mueller, CVESD, Susan Luzzaro. Unless Riley completely lied to us about the fact that CVESD would not have to pay rent and that Mueller and mlac would remain solvent based on 10 year (worst case scenario) projections. I agree that CVESD/high school relationship should not even exist, but SUHSD needs to clean up the west side. Until that happens, Bayfront provides a beacon of hope.
CVESD 4-1 Vote....Bayfront Charter High School continues!
The CVESD board of directors is made up of current and previous teachers union officials. These union bosses hate charter schools because they don't get as many kickbacks from them.
The author of this article is also related to many of those same union bosses that have been trying to snuff out charter schools for decades
This is called a well orchestrated campaign to crush the charter schools one by one. Nothing more, nothing less.
There is no such thing as a "union boss" so pull your head out of the myth machine. The primary union objection to charter schools is that the teachers have no due process and generally are paid less with lesser benefits. All unions do is give their members a voice at work.
"Falsifying Pell Grant Loan Applications" - you know the poor excuses that 'pose' as 'Educational Leadership GOT OLD ABOUT 6+ years ago!!!!!
We, as stewards for those we are SUPPOSE to pave the way for are doing a less than stellar job. We read, we are outraged - yet in the long run the majority do nothing to fight the good fight. We fail to show up, stand up or speak up.
And, here we are again - being educated by writers of The READER - ever think of how much further in the dark we would be if it were not for these folks?
anniej--many familes (myself included) at Bayfront meetings in January, broke commitments (church, work related, education related, etc) in order to attend and share our concerns with Dr. Riley. I am glad that Susan Luzzaro is covering this as well.
PamelaSusan - and your children are better for it. Committed involved parents are hard to find these days - that is, unless it is a controversial sports issue - then you are hard pressed to find a seat in the Board Room.
Remember, my comments are NOT aimed at Bayfront but at any entity 'where the shoe fits'
I must agree with those parents of students in Chula Vista Elementary School District who are questioning these charters.
Why should their dollars be depleted so that a middle school and a high school can be operated under the aegis of CVESD? It is part of that war for the educational dollar that started when Ed Brand made his not-so-stellar return to Sweetwater UHSD.
And there is an opportunistic element, as charter schools pay well for the administration and sometimes hire those with no experience, or little experience. The new hires may be enthusiastic, and they may also be the sort who sign on with Teach For America for their two year stint so that their resume is buffed up for the next step.
Nothing wrong with that--except the schools can end up with very inexperienced teachers as they move on. With the lack of oversight in the charter schools, there can be a lack of continuity of education. Who would ever know?
Can the young students tell when a part of their education is missing? How could they? They didn't know what they were entitled to in the first place.
Yes, time to rein in charter schools. Is there now a reason that this middle and high school couldn't be transferred from CVESD to Sweetwater UHSD? Wouldn't that make sense?
I can't speak specifically to this school, but I can attest to the fact that at least one Charter K-8 school in CVESD is doing a stellar job. This school offers an amazing amount of programs for the students, has among the highest attendance rates, scores among the highest against schools with similar demographics, has been recognized locally and nationally for programs and results, and is generally well run.
A well run Charter requires numerous things - a Director/Principal that is in it for the right reason -the kids - and not for empire building, money, fame, etc; an executive team that has the same goals; teachers that are dedicated with a kid first mentality, but are also flexible and willing to try new, better and more efficient and innovative ways to teach, and probably most important an independent board of directors who are willing to oversee, question and hold the Director accountable to run the Charter according to its Bylaws and Charter. It is possible to have this, but it takes a lot of work and coordination.
Let's not paint all Charters with a broad brush. If we did the same to all schools and how they are run, many holes would be found.
Let's hold each Charter accountable. Let's make sure we have an involved Board that is willing to put in the time to oversee the Director and school. Let's make sure CVESD is doing its due diligence, teachers are engaged and parents are involved.
At the end of the day, the goal is to provide children the best education possible and prepare them for the future. Some Charters do this better than public schools.
I am not sure where this impression of Dr. Riley as a free wheelin cowboy with taxpayers money is coming from. Thank you Bvavsvavev for encouraging all to "not paint all Charters with a broad brush." If worst case scenario happens and Bayfront is dissolved, I would not trade in these last 2 years for any amount of time in SUHSD.
Bvavs - the key words in quality education - are PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT, ENGAGED TEACHERS/ADMINISTRATION and a BOARD THAT IS THERE TO SERVE vs. USE.
AND,,,,,,,, all the while educational entities AND parents that fail - have a negative impact on the very future of the students they are charged with.
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE - we have the power to make all of this better - so,,,, what's the problem!!!!!!
Annie J- Bayfront Charter High School's website will show that there is plenty of parental notification and involvement--- bayfrontcharter.com/location.html. All teaching staff (but one) from the first year returned to lead school clubs and coach school teams -volleyball, soccer, football, cross country, baseball, girls softball, etc. outside of classroom duties. ASB, homecoming dances, cheerleading squads, AP classes, drama, dance and languages class programs are offered. This school is the real deal.
I agree with the assistant superintendent for business services' message to the Bayfront High Charter School, “While the rental amounts and operating expenses for this facility may be considered reasonable in the private sector, these figures appear excessive when considering that the use of the facility is to house a charter school whose budget is derived largely, if not entirely, from public funds.”
According to the charter school's executive director, Dr. Riley, 75% of the lease would come from SB740. Maybe the district needs to send Dr. Riley a reminder that those monies are also public funds.
Taxpayers' have already funded existing public school buildings and are paying for improvements through school bonds. Shall we say enough is enough?
By way of analogy, how many homeowners would approve of, or could afford funding a rental property for those family members who just wanted to "try living somewhere else"? Not too many, I'm sure.
PamelaSusan - my comments were NOT aimed at Bayfront. It was a blanket statement referencing any educational entity, Board, parent demographic and/or teachers and administration that fails its students.
For the students sake, I so hope all you say proves true, and that it is like you say the real deal! I have no angst or real knowledge of Bayfront, but in an effort to be transparent the many Charters that are failing Nationwide and leaving in their destructive paths the innocents (students) is more than concerning.
If I may - while SUHSD leadership has, in the past several years, proven to be a cess pool of alleged corruption - current leadership (Dr. Karen Janney and her stellar new educational staff) are proving to be a most deserved change for the better. SUHSD of new is not the SUHSD of old - 'as it relates to education'.
Anniej- I am not a mouthpiece for Riley. I have seen substandard charter schooling east of the 805-specialists thrown into the classroom to avoid losing their job, bungalow classrooms with lousy routers that can't boot up laptops, Spanish offered as a self directed computer program where students never practiced speaking, grumbling support staff and a revolving door of teachers.
PamelaSusan - hopefully you did not gather from my comments that I was insinuating you 'are a mouthpiece for Riley'
Oh heck no, anniej. I probably implicated myself by replying all over the comment section. I know that's not your style.
The overall issue of charter schools mushrooming does need to be addressed.
Our in-name-only County Board of Education should have taken on these matters with dispatch and real effort several years ago.
I don't suppose anyone has heard anything from them lately, as they seem to be perpetually napping in the Elysian Fields--or at the very least, leave that impression.
Seriously, all this business of charter schools being authorized out of one school district, when they are impinging on another school district needs to end. This is chaos and craziness.
I am sure there are educators out there who really believe in their charter schools, but there are also a great number of scam artists out there, and we need to wake up!
Exactly Eastlaker. Prudent oversight is necessary to prevent fraud and substandard education.
Eastlaker - as always - wise words!
Visduh, that's a pretty bold prediction. I know you saw in the UT the articles on Steve Van Zant, the former superintendent of Mountain Empire who started up charters throughout the county: here's the link:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jan/14/local-charter-school-king-hit-with-felony/
Just a little back story. He was a Chula Vista Elementary principal. He took the position as superintendent in Mountain Empire shortly after Pat Judd retired from Mountain Empire. Pat Judd served on the Chula Vista Elementary school board for many years. Funny, how many threads tie together the business of education. I believe his day in court is coming up soon.
Thanks for the back story, Susan. I am sure there is even more that could be brought forward. There have been excessive amounts of reciprocal back-scratching in this area for far too long.
eastlaker, you raise some important points. Someone referred me to a study done by FCMAT, a fiscal crisis and management report for Sweetwater in 2015. There is a worrisome warning about the district possibly not being able to maintain a 2% reserve. As we know, there are many historical reasons for this situation. How it ties into the dialogue here is this excerpt:
"FCMAT’s projections indicate that enrollment will continue to decline in the next two years, partly due to the increase in charter school enrollment."
Given the new administration that anniej refers to, this situation may not come to pass.
Bayfront does have a waiting list. What else does the report assign the decline in enrollment to, besides charter schools.
Susan, can we get enrollment figures for CVESD in a breakdown that shows charter schools as well as non-K - 6 grades? How about SUHSD figures that include their charter numbers, as well as a breakout of the non-8 - 12 figures?
Comparing the past few years?
I think the public should know what we are discussing in terms of the per-student funding. In addition, I think it is very important to see if it is basically a wash regarding the K - 6 students enrolled in Sweetwater UHSD charters versus the 8 - 12 students enrolled in CVESD charters.
In sept 2012, Howard Gardner Charter School K-8 opened on E St. In Chula Vista. In Sept 2013, they petioned CVESD for the establishment of Howard Gardner STEAM grades 9-12. CVESD did not grant it. Bayfront charter opened in 2014 for 9th grade. CVESD appears to have exercised some restraint.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that if public schools are failing our students - and many are for numerous reasons - we as parents have choices today! And Charter schools are part of that choice. I agree that some charters need better oversight and leadership, but the same could be said of our public schools. Parents that are engaged and involved will demand and get better results. For those schools that don't have a lot of parental involvement, PTA and SSC at those campuses should demand that PIQUE be part of the the curriculum for parents. This program teaches parents how to be involved and effective in their children's education.
School districts seem to be evolving into a hot marketplace. The elem. school down the street was known for having students bused in from Bonita in the 1970's because of the art and music program. By 2008, it was a cesspool that hid the number of annual student suspensions from STAR reports. The year after my family members were pulled (after 4 years of heavy involvement) less than 50% of the classrooms were used because of enrollment decline. A charter school now shares that campus. Digging in your heels and offering support doesn't always work.
Bvavsv - you know I luv ya- HOWEVER, if it has gotten to the point where School Districts need to teach parents how to be involved and effective in their children's education - GOD HELP US ALL!!!!! Not that I want to disparage my Mom and Dad good name, but my mother and father had to get married at a young age - they like many found their way THANK YOU VERY MUCH, and it did not take education funds to teach them - and while I did not go to public school (Nuns were my educators) my parents were there and involved - We have become a Nation of enablers - no doubt Annie (Grandmother, and parents are rolling over in their graves).
Anniej ya know l love u too, but the demographics of schools have changed dramatically since the days you and I attended schools. How schools are run has changed. The demands on teachers to do more than teach has changed. The demand on schools to feed, clothe and babysit students has changed. Many of today's parents don't want to be involved, are afraid or don't know how. Many school administrators brow beat and intimidate parents - you and I know that all too well. I have been involved in numerous schools on the West side as a volunteer where parents are truly afraid and intimidated, and don't know how to be involved. Much of that is due to demographics of those neighborhoods. I have first hand seen the results of PIQUE empowering, educating and giving confidence to parents. An involved and empowered parent is the best tool for any student.
Bvavsv - Have we become that Nation?
I agree that parents need a choice for their children. I experienced first hand having an older daughter in a SUHSD school. It was a nightmare. We love the Vision Dr. Riley and the faculty have for the students. It's refreshing to know the faculty is there for the right reason and they are looking out for the students futures. This is not a charter school that is trying to manipulate the system. Like many others have. Hopefully this scrutiny will end soon so the administrators can go back to doing what is best for the students.
The SUHSD schools are abysmal. Castle Park: 18% of students are at grade level in math. It's 17% at Montgomery and 10% at Southwest.
These red herring stories about charter schools is one way the teachers unions are trying to distract you from their failures.
Again the teachers union has nothing to do with students performing at grade level. Unions do not teach children nor do they represent parents. The elected leaders of the union represent teachers in contract negotiations to establish the wages, hours and working conditions. If you want to go after the problem then go after the over paid useless administrators.
AlexClarke while I have great respect for your views and insight, on part of this comment I will respectfully disagree. There are MANY Administrators, who, in my opinion, are stellar. True, there are some who are not worth their salaries, but the same can be said for any Titles.
Respectfully submitted (chuckle)
Greetings PamelaSusan,
You asked about the rest of the FCMAT report on enrollment. There are some stats, but this is from page 9.
FCMAT reviewed the district’s enrollment and ADA trends for 2009-10 through 2013-14 and the October 2014 enrollment data. The review compared October California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS)/California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) student enrollment counts to the P-2 ADA to determine the average ADA-to-enrollment ratios. Historical data indicates that the district has experienced declining enrollment in four of the five fiscal years. FCMAT’s projections indicate that enrollment will continue to decline in the next two years, partly due to the increase in charter school enrollment. However, the district needs to carefully monitor and project enrollment and ADA at each reporting period to ensure the most recent data is included in its budget assumptions.
PamelaSusan, there are a lot of comments and at this moment I can't find one you made regarding Dr. Riley and the future but he seemed very confident that things will go forward, please see the last line of the story. The letter from the district and Riley explain that the lease will go before the CVESD school board so I am sure all will be properly vetted.
Susan, Dr. Riley issued a rebuttal to the UT article at www.bayfrontcharter CVESD Board Meeting in April will decide
SJtorres, I do wish you would read the stories before you comment. This story has nothing to do with doing away with charters, it's actually about a particular lease. The worry is about whether this particular lease would be too much and make the Mueller CHARTER vulnerable.
Eastlaker, your idea about gathering the enrollment figures for the 2 districts is a good one, it is a blind spot. It will take a bit of time. There are also extraneous things to compute, for example there is a charter on H Street in western Chula Vista called San Diego Virtual Charter which was started by Van Zant, Mountain Empire. It is, I believe, for middle and senior students.
Excellent point, Susan. I do wonder if all the Van Zant-related schools are headed for decline based upon the charges he is up against.
Susan I recall a few years back looking at enrollment trends when Brand was at Sweetwater. There was a definite decline at Sweetwater which was attributed to CVESD starting their K8 chaters. That was when Brand opened boundaries and offered IPads to all incoming 7th graders. I believe that resulted in a slight increase in enrollment at SUHSD. Not sure how the trends look since then. I do know that Eastlake continues to have over 3000 students every year!!
As well as High Tech High, which I believe is chartered out of another school district, maybe SDUSD?
I have long wondered why, the beaurocrats continue to mandate curriculums that focus on College? There are many, many of our youth that have no intention, no desire to continue onto higher education. What are we doing for them? What message are we sending them when we mandate goals based on what 'WE BELIEVE THEY NEED'?
An Electrician, Plumber or Carpenter does not need to know what a Dr., Lawyer or Teacher knows - the skills set are different.
My point - we offer options to parents (Charters vs Public vs Private) so,,,,, when are we going to start meeting the needs of the individual students?
I have raised many children and one thing I learned a long time ago - each child must be celebrated for their individual talents - each child must be respected in their life career choices.
While I have 2 daughters who are Educators, their expertise helps little when I need a Plumber, Electrician or Mechanic. And,,,,, often times when writing out that check to the Mechanic, Electrician or Plumber I take pause and wonder tell me again why tenured Educators are paid so little in comparison?
The Trades, we need to offer much more in the area of the Trades.
Yes, we in Sweetwater still need to know what happened with all the facilities and tools that disappeared when Sweetwater dismantled those programs a few short years ago.
Well said! 30% of students go to college the 70% are ignored. When I was in school a loooooooooooooog time ago no one ever told me that there were good paying jobs that did not require a college degree. Training, yes. Certifications, yes. Continuing education in the field, yes. All of us non college bound students were ignored and passed from grade to grade until we "graduated" with no skills or training. The "shop" classes were nothing but baby sitting classes. Has anything changed? No because the same over educated college is the only way administrator are in charge.
Ah yes, all,of those EXPENSIVE REAL CONSTRUCTION TOOLS - not the nickel and dime ones many of us have in our garages - they just seem to have disappeared. And?????? What of the the 'bouncy jumps' a certain Middle School had that seemed to vanish a few years back. TAX DOLLARS PEOPLE, THESE ARE OUR TAX DOLLARS - but, hey it's only money.
Isn't it amazing, anniej, that there never seems to be a way to track all the missing equipment? If there is extraneous equipment, shouldn't there be procedures for disposing of it in an equitable and reasonable manner?
Allowing district employees to profit from it (a la Trujillo and the computers and perhaps others) should not be allowed or tolerated.
The Navy has been know to hold sales that give people the chance to bid on old furniture, for example. DRMO sales, if I recall.
Wouldn't it be great if these things would happen in an open and above board fashion, if they are taking place?
Who did get all that automotive equipment, I wonder?
Eastlaker - GOOD NEWS! At the last meeting Superintendent Janney announced she has implemented an inventory process. EVERYTHING we taxpayers have purchased will be identified, tagged and logged.
To think of ALL OF THAT MONEY WE SPENT ON 'the gandara' and Brand - and just think of how much walked out the door under their tenure.
Hurray!
I have to wonder if some of the Mello-Roos and other bond funds were used as funding for all sorts of ventures. And adventures.