Comments on: Oxford’s Charter Petition Rejected by Fish

By: Kim Price

Kim Price — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:16:44 +0000

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!

By: Jim Newman

Jim Newman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:33:29 +0000

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.

By: Patty Martin

Patty Martin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:26:03 +0000

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.

By: Linda DeFonce

Linda DeFonce — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:24:04 +0000

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.

By: Jeanne Cassidy

Jeanne Cassidy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:44:16 +0000

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.

By: Christopher Rosolanko

Christopher Rosolanko — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:34:46 +0000

And Fish wonders why he and the rest of the SVUSD are about to get the boot from Mission Viejo.

By: Liz Laderman

Liz Laderman — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:01:17 +0000

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.

By: Romney Miller

Romney Miller — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:26:13 +0000

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.

By: Mark Wallace

Mark Wallace — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:51:52 +0000

The distinguishing characteristic of the perfect bureaucrat: finding a reason to say “No.”

By: Sandra Urbanek

Sandra Urbanek — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:25:49 +0000

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.