It is unfortunate that Dr. Fish is rejecting an opportunity for his school district to partner with Oxford Prep Charter. The leaders of Oxford Prep and many hopeful parents are dedicated to seeing this school go all the way with or without his approval.
It would be in SVUSD’s best interest to approve this charter because SVUSD will get a fee from the charter as well as payment for services that would be bought back from his district. A rejection would mean that SVUSD will not get fees or payments for services in a time when every penny counts in public education.His reasons for denial are vague at best. Considering Oxford Prep’s educational plan is based on an existing school that earned an API score of 965, it seems incomprehensible that someone would consider that an unreasonable plan.
In addition, Dr. Fish is putting SVUSD at risk for not getting the Race to the Top federal funding for his district. According to the many qualifications for the much needed federal funding, school districts must allow for more charter schools.
Fortunately, the SVUSD Board of Trustees have an opportunity to decide for themselves and base their vote on sound judgement and reasoning that will benefit all students of their district and community. As elected officals, they have a responsiblity to meet the needs of their constituents. The SVUSD Board of Trustees already have a proven record of dedication to public education including opening the highly sucessful Gates Charter School.
This board will set a high standard of public education in Orange County by approving Oxford Prep Charter. Neighboring counties and other districts in the State of California will take notice and use their lead as a positive example of what public education is all about: meeting the needs of EVERY student.So, despite Dr. Fish’s denial of Oxford Prep, the public education community in Orange County is hopeful the SVUSD Board of Trustees will make the right choice for all students by approving Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School of Mission Viejo. We are excited at the prospect of partnering with an amazing school district like SVUSD and their proven track record of providing excellent public education.
Julie Collier
Letter: Fish Missing The Boat
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It is predictable that public school district superintendents lead the way in rejecting charter school proposals. No government official wishes to see the scope of his control reduced, and charter schools do just that…albeit not enough for my taste.
Charter schools represent one of the only methods available to the community to truly improve upon public education in a manner which is marginally less restrictive than the insane labyrinth of categorical dollars which the California Teacher’s Association has successfully lobbied for. With all due respect to this author, the best reason to support nearly any charter school is the resulting reduction in the power and influence of the special interests which bind the hands of even well intended district officials. It is analogous to taking money from the gang which stole it and giving it back to the kids from whom they stole it.
I hope that this community gets behind the courageous individuals who are attempting to use tax dollars more effectively. We shall soon see whether the trustees of the SVUSD go to bat for excellent schools by having the wisdom and humility to allow a proven alternative both academically and financially to flourish within their boundaries. I will not be holding my breath.