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Parents question charter school in Alpine
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surprised | 8:51 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Balancing the long term health of a school and the current needs of the students
can be a difficult task. Nothing is better than when these tow are running
parallel but it is very difficult when they must intersect and difficult choices
must be made.
Not knowing the situation in detail it is difficult to know how necessary this change was or what other options may have been created. However, I am shocked that the board and adminstration to not have a better idea or how the students and parents would react. Even taking the same final step in a more careful manner was well within their reach.
This is, unfortunatley, a prime example of the beauracratic and often impersonal attitude that has overrun our public schools (yes, even charters). Better understanding of the emotional weight behind this decision should be within the skill set of a board making such a decision. If it is not, families involved with the school should have serious questions about what priority the school places on the value of their children's well being compared to that of the institution, their individul reputations, or even personal agendas (possibly vendetta's?) for the school.
Not knowing the situation in detail it is difficult to know how necessary this change was or what other options may have been created. However, I am shocked that the board and adminstration to not have a better idea or how the students and parents would react. Even taking the same final step in a more careful manner was well within their reach.
This is, unfortunatley, a prime example of the beauracratic and often impersonal attitude that has overrun our public schools (yes, even charters). Better understanding of the emotional weight behind this decision should be within the skill set of a board making such a decision. If it is not, families involved with the school should have serious questions about what priority the school places on the value of their children's well being compared to that of the institution, their individul reputations, or even personal agendas (possibly vendetta's?) for the school.
My oh My | 8:55 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
A public school would have been hung out to dry by the USOE for such action.
Yeah, Yeah, Charter Schools are considered public schools. But public schools
can't overspend or hold secret meetings.
Some of these charter schools are very scary. This may jst be the tip of the iceberg.
Some of these charter schools are very scary. This may jst be the tip of the iceberg.
Comments continue below
Too Much Negativity/Drama | 9:51 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
I hope everyone realizes that the press has captured about every negative aspect
of what has gone and largely ignored the obvious positive support the board has
from many parents.
I was at the ENTIRE 3 1/2 long meeting last night. It was obvious that for some parents there last night ABSOLUTELY no answer/explanation was satisfactory to them.
This board works for free, has children directly affected and has no motivation to do anything detrimental to the school. Too many parents act like this board is out to destroy the school. Anyone at the meeting could see that is simply not the case.
Did the press mention that virtually NONE of the parents have attended the open board meetings that have been held? Did they mention that less than half the parents bothered to vote on amended bylaw proposals that were sent out over and over by the board?
Whiny parents stand and complain but do not bother to be involved except to complain. That is easy.
The board admitted they could have done some things better/differently. Is that any different than the rest of us? We can all look back at past events and 2nd guess. Thats easy.
I was at the ENTIRE 3 1/2 long meeting last night. It was obvious that for some parents there last night ABSOLUTELY no answer/explanation was satisfactory to them.
This board works for free, has children directly affected and has no motivation to do anything detrimental to the school. Too many parents act like this board is out to destroy the school. Anyone at the meeting could see that is simply not the case.
Did the press mention that virtually NONE of the parents have attended the open board meetings that have been held? Did they mention that less than half the parents bothered to vote on amended bylaw proposals that were sent out over and over by the board?
Whiny parents stand and complain but do not bother to be involved except to complain. That is easy.
The board admitted they could have done some things better/differently. Is that any different than the rest of us? We can all look back at past events and 2nd guess. Thats easy.
Not True | 10:01 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
I attended the meeting as well.
Brian Allen did not say "he was upset by the number of emails".
He actually said he was glad to receive input and parental involvement. He was pleased the board held the meeting to talk and he was glad that parents were there to speak and be heard.
He also commented that is what is better about Charter Schools vs. other schools there would/may not have even been a meeting for parents to talk.
The press shows up at the school lobby the other day waiting for some emotional bafoon to give them a soundbite and of course there were some parents there to oblige making statements like "they have run this school into the ground" and other such nonsense.
After examining the FACTS, this could not be farther from the truth but of course some enjoy being on camera and getting their "15 mintues". As a result of the media circus--kids missed school. Great.
I guess that is the medias job though--or at least they think it is--to dramatize everything so that it will make someone pay attention to their "news" stories. The facts and the truth seem to get left behind though.
Brian Allen did not say "he was upset by the number of emails".
He actually said he was glad to receive input and parental involvement. He was pleased the board held the meeting to talk and he was glad that parents were there to speak and be heard.
He also commented that is what is better about Charter Schools vs. other schools there would/may not have even been a meeting for parents to talk.
The press shows up at the school lobby the other day waiting for some emotional bafoon to give them a soundbite and of course there were some parents there to oblige making statements like "they have run this school into the ground" and other such nonsense.
After examining the FACTS, this could not be farther from the truth but of course some enjoy being on camera and getting their "15 mintues". As a result of the media circus--kids missed school. Great.
I guess that is the medias job though--or at least they think it is--to dramatize everything so that it will make someone pay attention to their "news" stories. The facts and the truth seem to get left behind though.
re: Not True | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
I am sorry to inform you of this fact but, if a school board over spends by
$300,000 and doesn't find out until after the fiscal year is over, they are
"running the school into the ground". If that same school board finds
out that they are $250,000 over budget in November, they are "running the
school into the ground".
MVA has replaced their director and some of the original board members because of the mismanagement of funds last year, yet the current director and board are not only continuing down the same path they are further down that path!
My question to the State Charter School Board of Education and to the State Office of Education is at what point is MVA or any other Charter School, over budget enough to warrant State takeover of operations? MVA is about 30 months old and admits to $550,000 in over spending to date. Maybe they should completely end 7th and 8th grades and bring back the 6th grade teachers.
MVA has replaced their director and some of the original board members because of the mismanagement of funds last year, yet the current director and board are not only continuing down the same path they are further down that path!
My question to the State Charter School Board of Education and to the State Office of Education is at what point is MVA or any other Charter School, over budget enough to warrant State takeover of operations? MVA is about 30 months old and admits to $550,000 in over spending to date. Maybe they should completely end 7th and 8th grades and bring back the 6th grade teachers.
yeah right... | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
My Oh My... your are fooling yourself if you don't think this kind of thing
happens all the time in public schools and at USOE. It's how things get
done.
Some charters do stupid things and some traditional schools do stupid things.
I agree with "Too Much Drama" it's the reporters job to sell papers not necessarily to tell the whole truth.
Some charters do stupid things and some traditional schools do stupid things.
I agree with "Too Much Drama" it's the reporters job to sell papers not necessarily to tell the whole truth.
Teacher | 10:27 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Why on earth would any teacher want to teach at a charter school.
Honestly.
Honestly.
Drama is Right | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
While I don't like the timing or the letting go of three great teachers I
understand the need. There is no "good" way to communicate such major
changes. Communication AND Financing are crucial to run a productive school.
From the very beginning 6-8th grade was to be part of the junior high. This is
not a new concept. Read the web site. Enrolling in a charter school is a choice.
To publicly criticize the institution of your choice before having all the facts
and before communicating with the people involved and getting answers is
shameful. I'm embarrassed for the parents that threw a literal temper
tantrum. As a Mountainville parent I would rather see the finances in order
sooner rather than later. I would be hugely embarrassed if I had never attended
one of the open meetings or voted on proposals and still threw a hissy fit when
things didn't happen the way I wanted. Choice is great, but you do actually
have to choose. Get the facts, get answers, get communicating (properly), get
involved, then and only then throw a fit...and call the local news (but only if
your dying for your "15 minutes" of ridiculous fame.
Anonymous | 10:31 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Charter schools are for parents that want to go to a private school but
aren't willing to fork out the money.
What a complete joke.
Thanks for building them though. It has cleared out some much needed space at our local school.
What a complete joke.
Thanks for building them though. It has cleared out some much needed space at our local school.
Whatever | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
To Not True:
Brian Allen talks out of both sides of his mouth. He is the consummate politician. Be very wary of anything he says.
Brian Allen talks out of both sides of his mouth. He is the consummate politician. Be very wary of anything he says.
You would never know | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
....from reading this article that there were alot of people at the meeting that
generally supported the boards good efforts. That is not to say the board is
perfect--they admitted they could have done things differently. As they said
"hindsight" is always alot better.
There were certainly a group of parents at the meeting though that were there to attempt to embarass the board by nitpicking everything that woulda/coulda/shoulda been done so that they would have gotten what they wanted. Forget how it impacts other teachers/students/the school overall--they were very myopic.
The nattering negative nellies stand and complain that the school finances are such a huge problem and then two minutes later stood up and criticized the board for making changes that will correct the financial problems.
Despite that vocal negative complaining group, I think the board has made decisions that were difficult to make and operated in the long term best interest of the school.
Once again, there is always that group that complaining is what they do best and nothing but their opinion matters.
The curriculum/plan at Mountainville is in good shape and will continue to be successful in educating kids.
There were certainly a group of parents at the meeting though that were there to attempt to embarass the board by nitpicking everything that woulda/coulda/shoulda been done so that they would have gotten what they wanted. Forget how it impacts other teachers/students/the school overall--they were very myopic.
The nattering negative nellies stand and complain that the school finances are such a huge problem and then two minutes later stood up and criticized the board for making changes that will correct the financial problems.
Despite that vocal negative complaining group, I think the board has made decisions that were difficult to make and operated in the long term best interest of the school.
Once again, there is always that group that complaining is what they do best and nothing but their opinion matters.
The curriculum/plan at Mountainville is in good shape and will continue to be successful in educating kids.
cache | 11:34 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
I attended the meeting as well. The largest round of applause came when a
mother stated that the 7:45 morning tantrum/media spectacle was uncalled for and
that the upset parents need to leave the kids out of this.
I support the board's decision. The new administration inherited the deficit from the former administration. 6th grade should have always been in the middle school. Last year the former administration hired 3 additional teachers to make the 6th grade part of the elementary school. After the recent audit, it was blatantly obvious there was not money for these extra teachers. The board corrected this problem and is putting the 6th grade back where it belongs, in the middle school.
I applaud the board for being responsible with the taxpayers money. I also applaud them for being respectful during this difficult transition. I wish I could say the same about the handful of parents who insist on throwing a tantrum.
I support the board's decision. The new administration inherited the deficit from the former administration. 6th grade should have always been in the middle school. Last year the former administration hired 3 additional teachers to make the 6th grade part of the elementary school. After the recent audit, it was blatantly obvious there was not money for these extra teachers. The board corrected this problem and is putting the 6th grade back where it belongs, in the middle school.
I applaud the board for being responsible with the taxpayers money. I also applaud them for being respectful during this difficult transition. I wish I could say the same about the handful of parents who insist on throwing a tantrum.
Tax Payer | 11:42 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Anonymous,
I have forked out the money for my child to attend a Charter school. I have paid my taxes for years expecting a decent education to come out of it, only to find out once my child reached school age that the "district bull" and the UEA took my money and left town. Yes, I have paid more than many parents who send their kids to private schools. I just choose not waste my tax dollars on sub-par curriculum and discipline standards and dangerous teachers.
I have forked out the money for my child to attend a Charter school. I have paid my taxes for years expecting a decent education to come out of it, only to find out once my child reached school age that the "district bull" and the UEA took my money and left town. Yes, I have paid more than many parents who send their kids to private schools. I just choose not waste my tax dollars on sub-par curriculum and discipline standards and dangerous teachers.
Taxpayer | 11:45 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Teacher,
The reason our teachers want to teach at our public charter school is the increase in pay, parental involvement, school uniforms, lack of district strangleholds, discipline and values taught to students, content rich curriculum and the ability to not work with uninformed, loud mouths such as yourself.
The reason our teachers want to teach at our public charter school is the increase in pay, parental involvement, school uniforms, lack of district strangleholds, discipline and values taught to students, content rich curriculum and the ability to not work with uninformed, loud mouths such as yourself.
Tax Payer | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
My Oh My,
You are delusional if you believe that ANY public school does not have secret meetings and over-spend their budget. Not only do the schools do this, their Districts are notorious for it. Get a Clue!
You are delusional if you believe that ANY public school does not have secret meetings and over-spend their budget. Not only do the schools do this, their Districts are notorious for it. Get a Clue!
Public = GOOD | 1:47 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Charter/Private = BAD
Government mandates a fair and free education for all. Complaining parents (who want private but can't afford it) have forced the government to split resources and create charter schools, thus raising the burden on every taxpayer to now fund two forms of education. It's a terrible shame that those that have still have and those that have not still don't. The fact that we purposely segregate ourselves is terrible.
As for the budgets...any Administrator at a Public school would be in serious trouble if he/she did not accurately budget BEFORE the school year began. These charter board volunteers have taken on MUCH too much responsibility; they are regular people trying to be educators. Let educators be educators and let regular folks be just that, regular.
This whole situation is a terrible shame. Parents taking chances with children's futures, in a failing endeavor.
Parents, not schools, make the ultimate difference in a child's life and future. Get over the elitist pride and get on with teaching your children how to be contributing members of society.
BTW, I hold a teaching certificate. I would NEVER send my children anywhere that would not be beneficial to their futures.
Government mandates a fair and free education for all. Complaining parents (who want private but can't afford it) have forced the government to split resources and create charter schools, thus raising the burden on every taxpayer to now fund two forms of education. It's a terrible shame that those that have still have and those that have not still don't. The fact that we purposely segregate ourselves is terrible.
As for the budgets...any Administrator at a Public school would be in serious trouble if he/she did not accurately budget BEFORE the school year began. These charter board volunteers have taken on MUCH too much responsibility; they are regular people trying to be educators. Let educators be educators and let regular folks be just that, regular.
This whole situation is a terrible shame. Parents taking chances with children's futures, in a failing endeavor.
Parents, not schools, make the ultimate difference in a child's life and future. Get over the elitist pride and get on with teaching your children how to be contributing members of society.
BTW, I hold a teaching certificate. I would NEVER send my children anywhere that would not be beneficial to their futures.
One more thing | 1:50 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
What a disgusting scene it was seeing out of control parents on the news
surrounded by children acting with mob-like behavior. I was incredibly
disgusted that these children are being taught to whine and complain about
things in a childish manner. Unfortunately, this seems to be our future...and
that future leads to larger acts of civil disobedience (crime, road rage,
disrespect of persons and properties, neglect).
What a terrible shame this all is and what a horrible future we're building for ourselves!
What a terrible shame this all is and what a horrible future we're building for ourselves!
RE: Taxpayer | 2:00 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
And funny that Taxpayer says the loud mouths got left in the regular public
schools. I think they are documented on television. It was CHARTER SCHOOL
parents throwing fits and acting childish.
Whew. I am glad people like that prefer charter schools. Then I don't get stuck teaching their children and being subject to their tantrums.
Whew. I am glad people like that prefer charter schools. Then I don't get stuck teaching their children and being subject to their tantrums.
Mville Parent | 2:02 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Here's my concerns:
--Why not tell us the exact reason for getting rid of these three teachers, because Middle School licensed teachers were being underutilized which would lead to less funding (google "FTE charters utah""). Mountainville has between 8-11 licensed middle school teachers, but only had 5.8 credited to them per the state in 2007. Middle school teachers bring in more funding than elementary school teachers.
--Mountainville is receiving approx. $134k to reduce class sizes which is calculated at student to teacher ratio. How does the school justify improving that ratio with firing 3 teachers, and then ask to increase their students to over 700 (recently petitioned the state for this).
--Why do this now when the school has reserves of over $600,000....why not wait until summer. These teachers salaries were altogether under $100,000 (around 30k a piece)....there's something they're not telling us, they had the funds to keep the teachers, at least until summer.
--Why not look at the school's Lease payments that are made to state legislators Morley and Ferrin (and former legis. Way) as a place to "save" money? The Lease is excessive, and unethical.
--Why hide all the facts? We're not as ignorant as you think.
--Why not tell us the exact reason for getting rid of these three teachers, because Middle School licensed teachers were being underutilized which would lead to less funding (google "FTE charters utah""). Mountainville has between 8-11 licensed middle school teachers, but only had 5.8 credited to them per the state in 2007. Middle school teachers bring in more funding than elementary school teachers.
--Mountainville is receiving approx. $134k to reduce class sizes which is calculated at student to teacher ratio. How does the school justify improving that ratio with firing 3 teachers, and then ask to increase their students to over 700 (recently petitioned the state for this).
--Why do this now when the school has reserves of over $600,000....why not wait until summer. These teachers salaries were altogether under $100,000 (around 30k a piece)....there's something they're not telling us, they had the funds to keep the teachers, at least until summer.
--Why not look at the school's Lease payments that are made to state legislators Morley and Ferrin (and former legis. Way) as a place to "save" money? The Lease is excessive, and unethical.
--Why hide all the facts? We're not as ignorant as you think.
Teacher | 3:19 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
This was totally laughable....
"Increase in pay, parental involvement, school uniforms, lack of district strangleholds, discipline and values taught to students, content rich curriculum and the ability to not work with uninformed, loud mouths such as yourself."
The only thing you have on me is that you have school uniforms. Other than that I would say I have it better on every other count.
Increase in pay = yeah right. Tell that to the teachers that were just fired. I've looked into the pay and it is almost always LESS because of certification issues.
District strangleholds ? Like what? My district lets me teach how I want. Of course I have to cover the state curriculum but that is easily done.
Discipline and values? Public students learn much more about discipline and values because they are experiencing a much broader world than some board in a corner in the county will give them.
Enriched curriculum? I have many college professors come visit my class because their children are here.
Working with loud mouths? Nope they are all now at the charter schools along with the parents.
See it works out nicely.
Why would any teacher work at a charter school?
"Increase in pay, parental involvement, school uniforms, lack of district strangleholds, discipline and values taught to students, content rich curriculum and the ability to not work with uninformed, loud mouths such as yourself."
The only thing you have on me is that you have school uniforms. Other than that I would say I have it better on every other count.
Increase in pay = yeah right. Tell that to the teachers that were just fired. I've looked into the pay and it is almost always LESS because of certification issues.
District strangleholds ? Like what? My district lets me teach how I want. Of course I have to cover the state curriculum but that is easily done.
Discipline and values? Public students learn much more about discipline and values because they are experiencing a much broader world than some board in a corner in the county will give them.
Enriched curriculum? I have many college professors come visit my class because their children are here.
Working with loud mouths? Nope they are all now at the charter schools along with the parents.
See it works out nicely.
Why would any teacher work at a charter school?
re: Mville parent | 3:53 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
As another MVA parent all I can say is "nice spin". Perhaps
you'll be attending the board meetings in the future so you can be an
active part of the decision making process rather than a Monday morning
quarterback.
Mike Farley | 5:42 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
Though well intentioned, the Mountainville board did not "find a
loophole" in the open meetings law (as suggested above), their discussions,
deliberations, and decisions have simply not been in accordance with this law
(i.e., in reality they are breaking the law). The board is to conduct its
business publicly--even when it is not convenient or pleasant. The justification
of not discussing options/alternatives publicly because "people jobs were
at risk" is not acceptable within the explicit language of the law. To say
that this was "an administrative decision" and therefore did not
require a vote obscures the reality that this decision was made by the board,
not by the executive acting alone.
Finally, I was quoted in the article saying that the board knew of budget issues in October. Actually, I said that they were aware in June, and then had the student count (with additional budget implications) in October. Despite this knowledge, never did the board address financial priorities and budgetary adjustments in open session.
Finally, I was quoted in the article saying that the board knew of budget issues in October. Actually, I said that they were aware in June, and then had the student count (with additional budget implications) in October. Despite this knowledge, never did the board address financial priorities and budgetary adjustments in open session.
Reality Check | 6:51 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
teacher:
"Discipline and values? Public students learn much more about discipline and values because they are experiencing a much broader world than some board in a corner in the county will give them."
Learning the courts and criminal systems is not the type of broad world experience children should have. That is why I wish I could have gone to a Charter school when I was a youth. I was attacked many times, a chunk of flesh dislodged from my knee, but I was a bit more fortunate. One kid has a leg broken being thrown from the ramp (Bingham Middle School) and another had a leg broke being shoved under a bus (the mob wanted the best seats not to harm the kid in that case).
I only started to learn something in middle school when I decided I had had enough. I stopped trying to listen through the crowd and instead began educating myself. I forced my way into honors and finally could hear the teacher.
Charter schools are a potential escape from the pitfalls of District schools. They are far from perfect, but are so much safer considering the hooligans never stay for long.
"Discipline and values? Public students learn much more about discipline and values because they are experiencing a much broader world than some board in a corner in the county will give them."
Learning the courts and criminal systems is not the type of broad world experience children should have. That is why I wish I could have gone to a Charter school when I was a youth. I was attacked many times, a chunk of flesh dislodged from my knee, but I was a bit more fortunate. One kid has a leg broken being thrown from the ramp (Bingham Middle School) and another had a leg broke being shoved under a bus (the mob wanted the best seats not to harm the kid in that case).
I only started to learn something in middle school when I decided I had had enough. I stopped trying to listen through the crowd and instead began educating myself. I forced my way into honors and finally could hear the teacher.
Charter schools are a potential escape from the pitfalls of District schools. They are far from perfect, but are so much safer considering the hooligans never stay for long.
re:Mike Farley | 7:45 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008
I just wanted to let you know that I appreciated what you said at the meeting
last night and I am thankful that you brought up one of the biggest issues with
this board. Thank you so much!!!!
Teacher | 8:31 a.m. Dec. 17, 2008
Yeah no one ever has a problem at a middle school if it is a charter
school...
Keep drinking that charter kool aid.
Sounds like you got the education you needed and longed for....
"I only started to learn something in middle school when I decided I had had enough. I stopped trying to listen through the crowd and instead began educating myself. I forced my way into honors and finally could hear the teacher."
Well done.
Keep drinking that charter kool aid.
Sounds like you got the education you needed and longed for....
"I only started to learn something in middle school when I decided I had had enough. I stopped trying to listen through the crowd and instead began educating myself. I forced my way into honors and finally could hear the teacher."
Well done.
re:re: Mville parent | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 17, 2008
For the person that commented on Mville parent I believe it's you that is
putting your own spin on things. It is fact and public information that MVA
leases the building they are in for almost $90,000 dollars a month. Yes
that's right, $90,000!!! I think we can all now see where the financial
problems started.
Re: cache | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 17, 2008
I'm sorry to correct you. The BIGGEST round of applause was when one of
the parents asked the Board the reinstate the teachers. Maybe you should donate
to the fundraiser to support the teachers salaries until the end of the year.
Be a part of the solution and get off your soap box.
Tax Payer | 10:55 a.m. Dec. 17, 2008
Teacher,
Yes, you get to teach whatever YOU want to teach...there in lies the problem. My kids don't need word searches, disney movies, college professors blabbing (how about planning a lesson and teaching yourself?), pointless assemblies etc.
As far as your interpretations on salary, discipline, district policies. They truly have you buffaloed, that makes it nice for you. You continue on blindly believing what you believe. Good for you.
Charter school parents are not loud mouths. We are parents who saw through the facade, refused to accept a sub-standard education that wastes our tax dollars. We wanted something better than what we had in the District school system. Utah public education is failing. We are the bottom of the barrel in the U.S. Why stand by and accept that?
We fight hard for what we have...we have to speak loudly to be heard. If I have to be considered a loud mouth to get what is best for my children, I have no problem with that. Call me what you want. I will call my children well adjusted and well educated.
I will call yours unrepresented and ignored.
Yes, you get to teach whatever YOU want to teach...there in lies the problem. My kids don't need word searches, disney movies, college professors blabbing (how about planning a lesson and teaching yourself?), pointless assemblies etc.
As far as your interpretations on salary, discipline, district policies. They truly have you buffaloed, that makes it nice for you. You continue on blindly believing what you believe. Good for you.
Charter school parents are not loud mouths. We are parents who saw through the facade, refused to accept a sub-standard education that wastes our tax dollars. We wanted something better than what we had in the District school system. Utah public education is failing. We are the bottom of the barrel in the U.S. Why stand by and accept that?
We fight hard for what we have...we have to speak loudly to be heard. If I have to be considered a loud mouth to get what is best for my children, I have no problem with that. Call me what you want. I will call my children well adjusted and well educated.
I will call yours unrepresented and ignored.
How To Fix The Problem | 1:32 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008
-First, request that all Mtn View charter board members will be voted in, not
selected or appointed. Fire the current board and replace them with the will of
the parents and re-evaluate all contracts.
-Second, tell your finance company to get real with the interest rate they are charging on your lease..one way to find money.
-Scale the budget.
-Present the teachers with a plan for part-time employment..better than No employment
-Identify the gap in funds..and see if the parents will contribute to make up the difference.
-Fire the consultant..and see if parents can help with the job.
-Second, tell your finance company to get real with the interest rate they are charging on your lease..one way to find money.
-Scale the budget.
-Present the teachers with a plan for part-time employment..better than No employment
-Identify the gap in funds..and see if the parents will contribute to make up the difference.
-Fire the consultant..and see if parents can help with the job.
How To Fix It | 1:39 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008
1) Fire the board.
2) Elect all new board members.
3) Fire the consultant
4) Identify the shortfall
5) Re-evaluate and renegotiate current contracts, especially the leasor.
6) Scale back non-essential services.
7) Determine which teachers will consider part-time if needed, or seek to fill the gap with parent donations.
8) Write grants to fund budgeted items, such as books, curricula, etc.
9) Once you "Clean House" then you'll attract more students to increase your student membership revenue.
2) Elect all new board members.
3) Fire the consultant
4) Identify the shortfall
5) Re-evaluate and renegotiate current contracts, especially the leasor.
6) Scale back non-essential services.
7) Determine which teachers will consider part-time if needed, or seek to fill the gap with parent donations.
8) Write grants to fund budgeted items, such as books, curricula, etc.
9) Once you "Clean House" then you'll attract more students to increase your student membership revenue.
insanity | 3:53 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008
We can't fire the board. Believe it or not they can only fire themselves.
Check their bylaws. Parents are absolutely voiceless.
To Taxpayer | 4:57 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008
You are delusional if you think your kids are better educated at a charter
school than at a traditional public school. Utah is at the bottom of the barrel
as far as funding goes, but that's the legislature's fault. Actually,
it's also the fault of all the Utahns who have lots of kids and no money,
too. Public schools in Utah follow the same standards found in other states.
Charters teach whatever the uncertified "teacher" feels like teaching.
You aren't qualified enough to know if it's quality teaching or not.
Your kids aren't getting a superior education at MVA; they won't be
going to Harvard.
Taxpayer | 6:04 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008
#1 I never said my kids were at MVA.
#2 You have no idea what MY qualifications are.
#3 Every one of my teachers are veteran, certified teachers.
Advice:
Get the real facts and stop spreading the propaganda fed to you by the UEA. Don't be afraid of change. When something is broken, fix it. Our per pupil funding IS broken, so are our test scores. The "District" suits aren't going to admit this, or agree to cut out the crap that isn't working. Don't be so simple minded. It is O.K. if everyone out there doesn't think exactly like you, go to your church, school and grocery store. Step outside of the box, you might get that chip off your shoulder and like what you see.
MVA has some problems. Let them work it out as I am sure they will. They have plenty of examples of misappropriations and what to do to pretend to fix them from their "big brothers" on the hill.
#2 You have no idea what MY qualifications are.
#3 Every one of my teachers are veteran, certified teachers.
Advice:
Get the real facts and stop spreading the propaganda fed to you by the UEA. Don't be afraid of change. When something is broken, fix it. Our per pupil funding IS broken, so are our test scores. The "District" suits aren't going to admit this, or agree to cut out the crap that isn't working. Don't be so simple minded. It is O.K. if everyone out there doesn't think exactly like you, go to your church, school and grocery store. Step outside of the box, you might get that chip off your shoulder and like what you see.
MVA has some problems. Let them work it out as I am sure they will. They have plenty of examples of misappropriations and what to do to pretend to fix them from their "big brothers" on the hill.
cdmom | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 18, 2008
Some charter school law clarifications:
1. Charters are required to hire CERTIFIED teachers. They may hire intern or provisional teachers as needed to fill the openings. These teachers are approved by the USOE on a case by case basis.
2. Charters are required to teach the State Core Curriculum. They must follow the guidelines set by the legislature and USOE on what textbooks and teaching methods are used.
3. Charters must administer CRT's, U-PASS, IOWA Basic, and whatever other tests the State decides to require.
4. Charter schools must make AYP and follow NCLB.
5. Charters are run by parents, some charter schools have the entire board elected by parents, some don't. MVA has 3 of 7 parent-elected board members. All board positions opened due to resignation or removal are filled by appointment of the rest of the board.
6. Charters CANNOT require parents to volunteer.
7. Charters CANNOT pick and choose who is admitted. Founder's children are automatically enrolled, all others are put into an enrollment lottery.
8. Most charter school boards are finding out that schools cannot be run like businesses, there are too many layers of government to answer to.
1. Charters are required to hire CERTIFIED teachers. They may hire intern or provisional teachers as needed to fill the openings. These teachers are approved by the USOE on a case by case basis.
2. Charters are required to teach the State Core Curriculum. They must follow the guidelines set by the legislature and USOE on what textbooks and teaching methods are used.
3. Charters must administer CRT's, U-PASS, IOWA Basic, and whatever other tests the State decides to require.
4. Charter schools must make AYP and follow NCLB.
5. Charters are run by parents, some charter schools have the entire board elected by parents, some don't. MVA has 3 of 7 parent-elected board members. All board positions opened due to resignation or removal are filled by appointment of the rest of the board.
6. Charters CANNOT require parents to volunteer.
7. Charters CANNOT pick and choose who is admitted. Founder's children are automatically enrolled, all others are put into an enrollment lottery.
8. Most charter school boards are finding out that schools cannot be run like businesses, there are too many layers of government to answer to.
Parents Bailout | 9:50 a.m. Dec. 18, 2008
I know little of charter schools. I just know the banks demanded to be free of
government and their regulations. If you put your faith in an organization that
wants freedom from government regulation better make sure of the leadership.
Believe it or not CEO do not always have the needs of there employees first.
Return to shareholders is second after their own bonuses. I believe the people
that start these schools have a vested interest in their perception and
successes: But, they move on and you need to ensure those that come in are not
there just to milk the cash cow before they slaughter it.
You�re investing in your chlid's education
� hope there is some regulation on how much that investment
can be skimmed by the charter school. Not regulating education may just result
in another big bailout. Like parents having to fund teachers salaries by
donations out of their own pocket.
Anonymous | 9:28 p.m. Dec. 18, 2008
According to cdmom..see above..only 3 of 7 board positions are elected!!! and
the others are appointed by the board..WOW..I believe this is more
representative of communism, not democracy. How can we, the taxpayer, be
expected to fund a board that makes financial decisions with our money..a board
whose majority is not elected, and with a board whose majority is appointed by
itself?? This is an outrage!! Plus, one blogger said that the parents
can't fire the board??? Are you kidding me.??
I want to know more about the lease and how those decisions were made. I want to know if the board members are related to any of the vendors and if they had several bids to decide which contractor to hire as well as how much money the consultant is being paid for obviously providing poor advice to this school. Were the same legislators who wrote the legislation the same ones who started finance, consulting, and construction contracts for the charter schools?
Furhter, add violation of Open Meetings Laws to the mix and you have a dysfunctional system is in place.
I want to know more about the lease and how those decisions were made. I want to know if the board members are related to any of the vendors and if they had several bids to decide which contractor to hire as well as how much money the consultant is being paid for obviously providing poor advice to this school. Were the same legislators who wrote the legislation the same ones who started finance, consulting, and construction contracts for the charter schools?
Furhter, add violation of Open Meetings Laws to the mix and you have a dysfunctional system is in place.
STUDENT | 2:24 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008
We as 6th graders just think this whole thing is retarted and i was there to
protest!!!!!!!!!
GIVE OUR
TEACHERS BACK!!!!!!
GIVE OUR
TEACHERS BACK!!!!!!
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What I do not support is how the made this decision. They purposefully found a loophole in the law that allowed them to hide. If they are not mature enough to make these tough decisions in the light of day, maybe they should step down from their responsibilities in running this school.
In any case, expect the Open Meetings law to be amended to close this little loophole. As with any law, all it takes is one knucklehead to find the hole and the law gets tighter.
I believe it was one of our Founding Fathers John Adams who said something to the affect that our government was made for a moral people, not not suited for any other kind.
This is an example of what he was getting at. Good people, bad method of making a decision.