SVUSD Superintendent Fish is recommending rejection by the Board of Trustees of a charter school application submitted by the Oxford Preparatory Academy (OPA) in October. It is the second time this year Fish has scuttled a charter petition for Mission Viejo.
There are items in the proposal that could be flushed out by by the applicant in an attempt to address Fish’s objections. But the core problem may be an inherent bias against charter schools by some school districts. In areas of his report, Fish’s assessment seems arbitrary or overreaching. He showed no genuine interest in rolling up his sleeves to help organizers create a unique and successful learning alternative.
The situation is ironic, because state and federal policy is strongly in favor of charter schools. Voters are dissatisfied with the status quo, and the issue of charter schools may be blossoming into a potent issue in Board of Education elections.
If OPA and its supporting parents have sufficient dedication and persisitence, they could appeal to the Orange County Board of Education. Time could now be working against a potential 2010 opening, however.
A similar petition by OPA is pending before the Chino Unified School District. The Chino Superintendent’s recommendation is expected on Monday or Tuesday, allowing for comparison prior to the Tuesday evening meeting of the SVUSD trustees. It is unknown at this time whether the two superintendents, or their staffs, compared notes.
Following are Superintendent Fish’s summary statements regarding 16 elements required by the State Education Code. His analysis of each is in the full report. Some elements in the Code are sufficiently vague that the Superintendent has latitute to use his own interpretations, definitions and assessments. Fish gave the petition failing grades on 10 of the 16 elements:
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Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Educational Program
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Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of Measurable Pupil Outcomes
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Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Method For Measuring Pupil Progress
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Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Governance Structure Of The School
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Qualifications of School Employees
- Petition Provides A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Health And Safety Procedures For Pupils And Staff
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Means To Achieve A Reflective Racial And Ethnic Balance
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of Pupil Admission Requirements
- Petition Provides A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Annual Independent Financial Audit
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Procedures For Pupil Suspension and Expulsion
- Petition Provides A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of Staff Retirement Systems
- Petition Provides A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of Pupil Attendance Alternatives
- Petition Provides A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Return Rights Of Employees
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of Dispute Resolution Procedures
- Petition [Properly] Declares That The Charter School Shall Be The Exclusive Public School Employer
- Petition Does Not Provide A Reasonably Comprehensive Description Of The Procedures For Charter School Closure/Disposition Of Assets And Liabilities And Transfer Of Records
Click here to review the entire report.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
Fortunatly, 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, dispite 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.
I am a proponent of charter schools, however, after researching the OPA’s website, I agree with Superintendent Fish on most of his assessments. I believe a more in depth review is needed to determine if this matter should be moved forward.
Re Donna’s comment: I find it hard to believe her statement. There is nothing on OPA’s site that would call into question their plan. True “charter supporters” would have understood her comments cannot be substantiated or validated. Charter school supporters would know that the petition submitted was stated a being “…one of the top charter petitions we have ever seen,” according to Jerry Simmons of Middleton, Young, & Minney, LLP, representing 2/3 or all California charter schools.
The distinguishing characteristic of the perfect bureaucrat: finding a reason to say “No.”
It is appearing that district management is anti charter school. I am still hopeful that the board members will vote to approve the charter. The reasons for denial are weak. I agree with the Dispatch. The school district should roll up their sleeves and work with these petitioners who are working so hard to open a school.
It it very disappointing to hear that Dr. Fish is not supporting OPA. As a Mission Viejo parent in support of Charter Schools, I urge the SVUSD Board of Trustees to support the parents who have only their children’s education in mind, and not Dr. Fish who is clearly happy with the status quo.
And Fish wonders why he and the rest of the SVUSD are about to get the boot from Mission Viejo.
I am convinced that the perceived loss of control, enormous ego and an obscured view from the Ivory Tower are the deep-seeded reasons for recommending disapproval of this Charter petition. Otherwise, there would be open, honest dialog to work toward providing viable educational alternatives.
As a concerned parent and MV resident, I again strongly suggest that the SVUSD Board of Trustees do the right thing and approve the OPA Charter School petition. Let us move forward together and focus on educating the future generation.
Its time for change. The budget cuts are severe and our children are already losing out. Its seems so unfair that our school district would not allow parents to have another choice in education for their children. This program would benefit many and make the district look supportive for offering a different educational alternative to all students. It would also bring in home schooled children as well as private schooled students. That would be a win for SVUSD.
The denial is a very weak attempt to thwart the hard working efforts of many. I hope the SVUSD board realizes how important their decision will be going forward in many ways. It truly will make a statement on where they stand on keeping education strong amidst financial setbacks affecting schools now and in the upcoming months ahead.
I am disappointed that Dr. Fish is opposed to OPA. While SVUSD is a great school district, giving students an opportunity to choose a different educational style would only make it better. Not all children thrive in these big schools where all students are treated the same. Please do the right thing and give the kids of Mission Viejo a choice.
It appears that Dr Fish is all about self preservation and only cares about how fat his wallet is. This man needs to be removed. A.S.A.P! We need to start working on this sooner rather than later.
I am stunned at Dr. Fish’s report on his recommendation to deny the charter petition. All of his “reasons” are unsubstantiated and subjective. I am hopeful that the trustees will do the right thing and vote in favor of the petition. If they don’t, we will still get this charter approved…we’ll just have to do it at the state level. When that happens, SVUSD will not be able to receive a percentage of the block grant, which it otherwise would have been entitled to as our chartering agency. What a shame…
As for “Race To The Top” money, here is some information taken right from their website – “Awards in Race to the Top will go to States that are leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive education reform. Race to the Top winners will help trail-blaze effective reforms and provide examples for States and local school districts throughout the country to follow as they too are hard at work on reforms that can transform our schools for decades to come.” A good charter school such as Oxford Prep, would help fulfill the criteria to be awarded money in this through the ARRA.
Do the right thing trustees! Vote in favor of the charter and show your constituents that you are listening!