Samuel C. wrote on May 6, 2008 1:08 AM:God made the idiot for practice, and then he made the school board. --Mark Twain

To Samuel wrote on May 6, 2008 6:43 AM:You must be Hazelton's relative. The EUSD is just doing its Due Diligence. I wouldn't expect anything less from any district. This is all of our children's tax money (TIP and EUSD) and we need to make sure it is being spent according to the law. I believe everyone should be fine with last nights meeting. Not the drama everyone created it to be.

To Samuel wrote on May 6, 2008 6:47 AM:You're talking about the TIP school board, right? Good job googling a useless quote to throw in here. Much brain power of yours was consumed I can see.

TO Samuel C. wrote on May 6, 2008 6:47 AM:Bravo!

Thank You EUSD wrote on May 6, 2008 6:49 AM:Thank you EUSD for continuing to oversee the charter school while continuing your professionalism throughout. We appreciate all that you do for our children and district.

Finally wrote on May 6, 2008 6:55 AM:Thank you, EUSD!!

To Samuel wrote on May 6, 2008 7:05 AM:Samuel you are talking about the Vista and Guajome Park Academy School Board right?

Everything is fine wrote on May 6, 2008 7:37 AM:Like Mike said, I am real curious about what the confusion is. All of the stuff they want is paperwork that every school has. The Tip has given it to them already over the past few years. EUSD is just making sure all the i's are dotted. A bunch of worry for nothing, everything is fine.

TIP parents wrote on May 6, 2008 8:21 AM:I believe the document production will be ok, but I am concerned over the "employee/board member conflict" and "TIP/TIP Education conflict" allegations. I don't believe those problems will be overcome, though I hope they will. (The Hazelton salary blemish is only the sizzle. The steak is the above conflicts.

Here it is CLEARLY wrote on May 6, 2008 8:25 AM:According to the Union Tribune:
“Central to the allegations against the school, levied originally by former TIP Academy board members, is that at least four current charter school trustees also serve on the board of an organization, called TIP Education Inc., that stands to profit from decisions that TIP Academy trustees make. ... After last night's meeting, Mike Hazelton said a proposal this spring to have TIP Academy begin transferring tens of thousands of dollars to TIP Education – as payment for the curriculum that the academy was using – was abandoned in late March.”

So if I understand correctly, the allegation is that some people created a company then created a charter school to pay that company. Is that correct?

Everything is fine wrote on May 6, 2008 8:42 AM:So Mike is the best source for unbiased information? Really? Do you think the school district would waste their time "making sure all the i's are dotted"? Really?

Umm.. wrote on May 6, 2008 8:58 AM:Hazelton should have stayed at Palmquist. 6th grade & the Apple II's were such a blast.

To Here it is CLEARLY wrote on May 6, 2008 9:04 AM:To Here it it CLEARLY
You are absolutely right!
I do suggest that IRS should step in and performance an audit. As an Encinitas residence, I am wondering where our tax money goes.

by Encinitas Residence

To Tip parents wrote on May 6, 2008 9:31 AM:Since the MOU was not approved, no monies were transferred from TIP Academy to TIP Education. Also the Hazeltons and teachers are non-voting members of the board so I do not see a conflict of interest.

TIP Board wrote on May 6, 2008 9:35 AM:The article mentions one of the items being investigated is "whether any of the board members have relatives who work at the academy". I understand they may have a member or two on the board with ties to the school, like a teacher, but expect that the remainder is impartial with no direct relations.

Is this not the case?

Insider Information wrote on May 6, 2008 9:41 AM:I'm wondering how the article's author was made privy to an email from Mr. Hazelton to the parents.

No Prior Experience wrote on May 6, 2008 10:19 AM:EUSD has no prior experience with a charter school. They are learning as they go. They also have been trying to prevent TIP from happening since the beginning. Their credibility in this matter has to be less than 100% due to these two factors alone.

Shout Out To TIP Parents wrote on May 6, 2008 10:42 AM:Thank you for showing your support at last night's meeting! Now a few more people have a glimpse first hand of the overwhelming majority of parents who support TIP 100% and are pleased with its performance (compared to the couple of people whose misguided views have gotten all the media attention). Keep it up!

Our tax money wrote on May 6, 2008 11:22 AM:This all is really entertaining, haha. Sounds like the relatives on the board have no votes, so what is the big deal. Also, curriculum costs a ton of money. How is TIP getting their curriculum for free, that is a pretty sweet deal. Interesting that all the other tax payers are not concerned with EUSD being a million dollars in the red. If we are this concerned about our tax dollars maybe we need to write to the Big Guy about EUSD's mismanagement of funds? Who is with me? I can form a google group for us?

Insider information wrote on May 6, 2008 11:24 AM:Is that a bad thing, that an email sent out to the school's parents is shared with the press? Statements like this make those of us outside TIP think there is something you're trying to hide.

March board meeting wrote on May 6, 2008 11:35 AM:I was looking at the board meeting minutes posted on the TIP site and could not find anything for the meeting held on March 17. When will those minutes be posted?

Bad News wrote on May 6, 2008 11:49 AM:You either have the documents or you don't. If you don't you should be closed for fiscal irresponsibiity. I have heard rumors for a long time about this school- time to see if they are true.

So... wrote on May 6, 2008 11:51 AM:All I have to do to find out why kids are not learning in school is to question how it is run? Bet the school board and teachers union will drop everything they are doing(or not doing) to give me everything I want.

To Insider Information wrote on May 6, 2008 12:02 PM:Instead of conspiritorially toned theories, how about this for the most likely correct answer: TIP has nothing to hide and would want the media to see how they are handling these assertions.

Somebody's gotta show TIP's side of this (the naysayers and EUSD haven't hesitated to contact the media) - why not TIP itself.

Common sense, folks.

To Is it a bad thing wrote on May 6, 2008 12:19 PM:No it isn't a bad thing. What is interesting is the bias shown by the author in selecting the single comment chosen. There was much more in that letter that had a lot more merit with regard to the state of affairs.

Hey Bad News wrote on May 6, 2008 12:26 PM:If they were going to shut schools down for fiscal irresponsibility.... there would not be a public school open in this entire state....

Taxpayer wrote on May 6, 2008 12:37 PM:To: Our Tax Money

We taxpayers aren't concerned because EUSD is NOT in debt. Who told you EUSD was "a million dollars in the red"? Wasn't it Mike?

Hmmm...

To hey bad news wrote on May 6, 2008 12:45 PM:Right on, why even try to be fiscally responsible? Just take the $1.6M and do whatever you like. Great idea.

Worried wrote on May 6, 2008 1:07 PM:To Everything is Fine

TIP just hit and iceberg... Parents have the right to know what's going on and the right to jump ship before it sinks. I sat with 3 other TIP parents last night who know we're going back to our home schools. So, Everything is NOT Fine.

To Hey Bad News wrote on May 6, 2008 1:15 PM:Boy, did you hit the nail on the head! Wonder why a bunch of parents would leave the good, old-fashioned, beyond disrepute, public schools to take a chance on a never-before-tried charter school that has no track record what-so-ever? While the district is so busy pointing fingers at TIP, no one is really paying attention the districts own budget issues, or checking their paperwork, or seeing what sorts of conflicts of interest might lie there.

Bottom line: There is a storm brewing over public versus charter schools, and this battle is just one of many to come as the "traditional" education community continues to lose ground (students, ADA dollars, etc.) to the charters.

What About the Children wrote on May 6, 2008 1:23 PM:All this money talk has anyone stopped and talked to any of the children who attend TIP? My son goes to TIP he has made amazing leaps and bounds this year. He is doing and learning things at a leavel that other kids his age are not getting the chance to. Those who spend time at TIP or who have children at TIP can see what a great place it is. TIP many not be right for everyone but for those of use who are enrolled at TIP we there for a reason.

Who has experience wrote on May 6, 2008 1:41 PM:To no prior experience, good point about this being a learning process for EUSD, TIP being the first charter they’ve had to deal with. How many successful charters have the Hazelton’s run? Let’s define success as having comparable or better STAR scores than the district schools and in operations three years or longer?

Can’t we agree that both sides are going through a learning process?

To worried wrote on May 6, 2008 2:28 PM:And they know this because...

Don't believe everything you hear, don't jump to conclusions and don't cause a panic amoung parents by spreading rumors. It would be a very bad move to EUSD to revoke the charter and they need very specific reasons to do so. Even if they find something in their investigation, TIP has a chance to fix it. EUSD had to open an investigation, thanks to Mark.

Pablo wrote on May 6, 2008 3:23 PM:So let's see. This school was started by a bunch of parents who thought their kids were smarter than everyone elses. Now the school is being investigated because it is not being run properly. Sounds like a classic case of special interests gone awry.

Been there done that... wrote on May 6, 2008 3:23 PM:As a parent of former students at Ocean Knoll before TIP, let me say, you don't need a charter school for your kids to do well in school. All you really need is good parenting. The teachers and administration at that time were lousy, but my children have succeeded because I made sure they got the learning at home after they went to school. Extra work? You bet, but I don't think the private schools do any better. Smart kids are smart kids. (Mine all went to UC-Berkeley). I think the parents who can't spell in these blogs need to go back to school themselves.

Start looking wrote on May 6, 2008 3:38 PM:To: To worried

Regarding your pipedream that "if they find something in their investigation, TIP has a chance to fix it." We're not talking about fixing a pothole in the playground here. You can't go back in time and "fix" an action that was unlawful at the moment that it occurred.

Stop blaming the whistleblowers, EUSD, the media, "jealous" parents, dislike of charter schools, etc. and start blaming TIP's administrators. And start looking for a new school.

Hmmm wrote on May 6, 2008 3:45 PM:This school was not started by a bunch of parents. This school was started by Debbie and Mike Hazelton, with Dr. Sandra Kaplan (who provides her curricula for free, saving TIP thousands of dollars), and some former Oceanside teachers. Sadly, there are too many parents out their taking the credit for this school! Mike worked on the charter and the first year of getting the school running for no pay! Without their dedication to this school -- what I would call "special interests" -- my children would not be receiving the amazing education that they have been providing.

To Start looking wrote on May 6, 2008 4:11 PM:I have not seen or heard of anything "unlawful". If there was such an event, I am sure it would surfaced in the blogs or in the previous propaganda material delivered anonymously to school personal. If you actually have some facts to back up your accusations, please share.

Yes your special interests wrote on May 6, 2008 4:16 PM:YOUR children ARE the special interests, at MY expense. What about all the other children who can't attend TIP but have to pay so that your children do? You want a private school, go there.

Sour Grapes wrote on May 6, 2008 5:02 PM:Many the w(h)ine in here sure is sour.

All of the complainers had the same opportunities as the TIP parents did. It isn't their fault that you passed up on the opportunity.

If you have a problem with charter schools, take it to the legislature. They are the ones who approve of the system. These people are only making use of it.

pages wrote on May 6, 2008 5:37 PM:The Notice To Remedy has been sent to the TIP. All 168 pages of it!

Ring my bell... wrote on May 6, 2008 5:37 PM:In the spirit of doing the right thing, I'm curious why the Hazelton's haven't held a Q&A session to simply answer the many queries floating around out there. If they haven't done anything wrong this should be a fairly simple exercise.

Instead, they seem to be hiding behind a board (which they created) and a 5-minute bell at meetings (which they ring) and sending emails that answer nothing. In my mind, this all seems oddly suspicious.

On a personal note, whenever the fellow who owns the coffee shop stands up at these meetings to regale us with his business prowess - as he has a propensity to do- I feel as though we should all join hands and sing "the Good Ship Lollipop" and swig some Kool-Aid. Does he have that effect on anyone else?

TIP was great concept loaded with good intentions but we all know where that road led.

Start looking shares wrote on May 6, 2008 5:37 PM:Did you READ the newspaper articles or Board agendas? Do you recall: "criminal violations with respect to payments under unlawful contracts"?

What is "school personal"?

Please DO take this "personally": Ask your kids to help you with spelling and grammar.

RE pages wrote on May 6, 2008 5:52 PM:Oh good, now Mike will have something to do in his 40% time off/free time - fill out proper paperwork they should have had all along.

to Ring my bell... wrote on May 6, 2008 5:57 PM:Good idea. We can go to his coffee shop, sing it out loud while we digest all 168 pages of the notice to remedy, now available as a public document. Can I get a show of hands for people wanting to go? Anyone? Anyone?

TIP Parent wrote on May 6, 2008 6:01 PM:My child was in a depression at his former school and starting the long checking-out process I'd seen another child go through because they were bored. When asked about how his reading suddenly improved dramatically, he confessed last week that he could always read, he just previously hated the reading material so would just pretend he couldn't. Got into the car this afternoon and said he wanted to write a new poem for a poetry event later this month at TIP - and continued to work on it out loud for about 15 minutes. This is after previously "hating" poetry.

That's the truth about a real, recent experience at TIP. I have others. So all of you people who hate the concept of a charter school can feel proud and self-righteous about wanting to kill it, without any investigation or thought into whether the core point of the school - educating kids and getting them excited about learning - is working or not. The conflict of interest/administration issues, while needing to be addressed in a proper fashion (although it seems that may well already have been done), are irrelevant to that purpose, and in any event fixable. Any past issues may well be attributable to people having more experience teaching rather than administrating. Oh wait, is that a bad thing? Or would all the people spewing vitriol on this blog like the administrators at their schools teaching their kids?

From what I've seen so far for my child, this curriculum is working. And worthwhile. Paying for it is not unreasonable if the school can afford it. The price would have to be set without any conflicted parties participating in the decision. It's not complicated and not unusual. EUSD should let things progress and confirm whether there is real value in the curriculum and approach.

By the way, every parent with kids at TIP pays taxes too. And the kids at TIP get in by lottery - there is no privileged elite, unless you'd call refugees from the traditional curriculum an elite.

North County Times - where is the balance in your reporting?

So Let Me Get This Right wrote on May 6, 2008 6:03 PM:So the typical "Tipsy Tipster" does not care about the following:

1. That charter school financial hurt basic aid schools as long as their "child is happy."

2. They don't care about the Hazelton's past experience with charter schools.

3. Don't mind that Debbie almost quit and therefore close TIP unless her husband was hired for $95,000 for 60% work and was supposed to open a junior high school but did not.

4. Don't mind that the Hazelton's were about to "have TIP Academy begin transferring tens of thousands of dollars to TIP Education."

5. Are mad that they didn't get the Pacific View site that would have cost the district even more millions of dollars.

6. And now blame the district for all of their problems saying they are the corrupt ones.

Wow! Truly unbelievable points of view. No wonder you didn't "fit in" at the other schools. I can see why.

To Re Pages wrote on May 6, 2008 6:12 PM:I don't know about you, but I have never seen Mr. Hazelton leave early. He works full time. Just because Mark wouldn't approve him as full time, does not mean he cuts out early. And, they do have the paper work. Thanks Mark, Ginger, and Kat for taking up time, time that our children should have. You have successfully wasted your own time as well as many other people. You should be ashamed of yourselves-wow.

Balance wrote on May 6, 2008 6:37 PM:It appears to be balanced to me, maybe you are just off tilt a little.

To To Re Pages wrote on May 6, 2008 6:43 PM:They should not be ashamed for bringing to light some issues that may not be right in the running of the charter. I don't care if TIP stays open or close, but I appreciate the character and bravery they have shown in this matter. Before chastising them, why don't you just wait for the facts and see where they fall.

Feeling for the Hazeltons wrote on May 6, 2008 6:48 PM:I would not be surprised if Debbie quit now, and in your words, "therefore close TIP." I cannot imagine what she feels right about now.

Welcome Back wrote on May 6, 2008 7:02 PM:To TIP Parent who tried TIP but are returning to EUSD next year b/c 1. the curriculum is not working for their children and/or 2. they are not please with what is happening with the administration:

WE say WELCOME BACK!!!


To the "Tipsy Tipster" who can see no wrong as long as their children are "happy":

Say WELCOME to all of your new Oceanside student peers. They are the ones that will be filling up TIP spots next school year when many Encinitas residents leave.

What could possibly be in that document wrote on May 6, 2008 7:04 PM:I thought this was just a routine request for paperwork from our school. What is the deal?

To So Let Me Get This Right wrote on May 6, 2008 7:08 PM:That's about right.

Unbelievable wrote on May 6, 2008 7:26 PM:To "To To Re Pages"

I did not see any bravery last night on their part, just snickering in the back row. And of course, there was no bravery in the annonimity of their prior "complaint" that they didn't even have the decency to bring before the board in the proper manner.

To "Ring my bell"
Did you stand up and courageously speak your mind last night? No, I didn't think so. But you have no qualms about mocking one guy that did, and did so quite eloquently.

teacher wrote on May 6, 2008 7:47 PM:both sides have really polluted the water, and the kids are the ones who suffer

ROB wrote on May 6, 2008 7:52 PM:We have 6 wonderful children that attend
TIP. The teachers at TIP are some of the best we have ever had. Each one loves their job and loves the children that they teach.(Amazing I know) They make learning fun, and bring so many state of the art teaching techniques. Our children are learning so much more than any other EUSD school. For those of you that are bad mouthing us, we invite you to come and check us out, see what we see. You will be truly amazed.

just kidding wrote on May 6, 2008 7:57 PM:We really do not want you to come and check us out, because we know that you will love us, and will want to get your kids in. I do believe that we are full, and we really love the parents that took the chance with us. Just let our children soar and go back to your old traditional neighborhood schools....and be happy.

The end does NOT justify the means wrote on May 6, 2008 8:06 PM:Happy children enjoying their education are great, I don't think I've ever seen or heard anything contrary to this. But what is going on with the TIP administration to cause such a fuss? Why bash people who voice their concerns in the appropriate manner? At the March 17 TIP board meeting about a half dozen parents had the courage to stand up and voice their concerns. These concerns were ignored by the TIP board so at least one of those parents submitted a complaint to EUSD. That’s the process.

Stop blaming the people that tried to correct the problem and focus your attention on the people that created the problem. The Notice of Remedy is public information, if you really care about what is going on at TIP contact EUSD and request a copy. This is a chance to educate yourselves and make your own decisions based on facts not on what any one person tells you.

truth wrote on May 6, 2008 9:04 PM:I wonder about this search for truth. First, the board member, Mark, who filed the complaint, agreed and approved many resolutions that he now says were "wrong". There were rumors spread that were told to discredit and hurt all that was created at TIP. There were anonomous allegations sent out to defame TIP. Then there was a complaint sent to EUSD, an organization waiting to destroy TIP, to try and revoke the charter. Then solicitations by these same people asking their peers to leave TIP or write letters against TIP. What strength of character is there in this Mark, Ginger, and Kat? You trying to "remedy" something puts at risk so many people. The children who have bonded and found so many friends and have learned to love learning. The teachers, who have worked harder than most teachers to "start up" something new. Have you thought about those teachers families and lives and careers (or lack of) in the future in this quest? Can you look those teachers in the face now? I won't ask Mark, Ginger or Kat to sympathize with the Hazelton's but in trying to bring down the adminstration-your shortsightedness amazes me. How cruel you are. What goes around, comes around. Word has already spread about you in the schools you may be attending. Good luck!

Thats not the process wrote on May 6, 2008 9:19 PM:The board is prohibited by the Brown Act from responding to public comments at a meeting. None of those parents who expressed concerns submitted a complaint to the TIP board, which would have allowed the TIP board to address the concerns. They ignored the proper procedure, and now are claiming they were ignored. They were told repeatedly that they needed to file a complaint if they wanted it addressed.

only people were unhappy wrote on May 6, 2008 9:23 PM:The only people that are unhappy are perhaps the parents from OPE. We all know how unhappy parents can be when they do not get their way. We are sorry that TIP did not let you guys take over and push us around. It is about time that parents realize that standing around gossiping and complaining that they can do it better. Tip does not like the clicky, complaining type. Guess that is why you 4 chose to create unnecessary problems and waves, for such a fine school, and an equally fine bunch of administrators.

where is it wrote on May 6, 2008 9:25 PM:where can the "Notice of Remedy" be downloaded from? web link anyone?

truth wrote on May 6, 2008 9:28 PM:You said it 100% correct, I am behind you all the way. We love the tip teachers, administrators, and the Hazleton's. We love your visions and we love Sandra Kaplan!

To truth wrote on May 6, 2008 9:37 PM:You are really off base. This is not about "touchy feely, our kids all get alone, how could you do this." It is about individuals standing against possible financial mismanagement and conflict of interest. You really need to read the NTR before you speak. And as for "Word has already spread about you in the schools you may be attending" - wow, are you in 8th grade?! It is not true, they are all welcome back to EUSD. I attend one of the schools one of them is coming back to, I hear, and people could truly care less. If you are all about "truth" then don't be a coward and stand behind a nameless blog entry. Please! I hope you home school when this mess is over.

Finger Pointed in Wrong Direction wrote on May 6, 2008 9:49 PM:This is NOT about a few people or families that attend TIP. This is about Mike and Debbie Hazelton. If they have done nothing wrong, then the charter will go on.

To ring my bell wrote on May 6, 2008 10:00 PM:Please, don't bring up coffee.. We here at TIP are kool-aid drinkers (sometimes a little spiked). That is how we deal with Mike, who we all hope, is going to step into a classroom as a teacher next year to free up $95,000. As for Mr. Coffee Shop, I'm sure coffee shops are JUST like public schools.

NTR wrote on May 6, 2008 10:06 PM:Read it - no way the Hazelton's are getting around this one.

Curious wrote on May 6, 2008 10:06 PM:How soon after the decision was made by TIP not to pursue the middle school charter did the complaints and in-fighting start flying? Are the two related because (some of) the unhappy parents had children soon to be aging out of the school? That the issue of the middle school charter keeps getting raised by a number of people (eg the "So Let Me Get This Right" person) is odd to me. Isn't it inconsistent to go after the admininstration for mismanagement at the elementary level yet at the same time be mad that same administration didn't also start a middle school? Just wondering because that part doesn't make sense, so then I don't know about the rest of it ....

TIP Academy TIP Education wrote on May 6, 2008 10:15 PM:Do you all even understand what Mike & Debbie were attempting to do with TIP Academy and TIP Education? Your ignorance is unacceptable when all you do is proclaim to "love them, love Sandra, love TIP, etc." Please education yourselves and read the NTR so you can make real sound opinions and statements.

To To ring my bell wrote on May 6, 2008 10:16 PM:Why do you attack our parent when he just speaks his own mind. Don't you feel so angry when Debbie treated you the same way. Stop your bad mouth. It won't help.

To To ring my bell wrote on May 6, 2008 10:18 PM:Yes, hot dog beats coffee.

What a mess wrote on May 6, 2008 10:29 PM:Just read the NTR - I don't see how the Hazelton's are going to get around this one. And I thought they had enough experience with charters that they would be smart enough to keep this one afloat. Obviously not.

Im an idiot wrote on May 6, 2008 10:32 PM:OK, I just finished reading the NTR, and I really had no idea about everything. I have been such a stanch support of our administration, and now I feel like I have no faith. Oh my, my heart and head now hurt. My husband and I have simply no ethical choice but to remove our children from the school. I am so disappointed.

NTR wrote on May 6, 2008 11:10 PM:I have not read the NTR, but don't jump to conclusions before hearing the other side, I am sure it is a one-sided document meant to destroy the Hazeltons and TIP, consider the sources it came from, the disgruntled parents and EUSD who wants TIP to go away.

To I am an Idiot wrote on May 7, 2008 12:03 AM:How did you get a copy of the NTR? What is so disappointing? I am a TIP parent. Please fill me in. Thanks.

Posturing wrote on May 7, 2008 12:22 AM:Wow, so much posturing going on, it's hard to know what's real and what's contrived! The "Im an idiot" for instance - someone still there, someone who already left, someone never at TIP who hates charter schools - who knows? I wonder if there are only about 10 people writing many of these blog entries.

Tip Students wrote on May 7, 2008 1:30 AM:I just want to everyone out there to know that your child doesn't have to be GIFTED to get into the school. There have been comments about how we parents think our children are so much better than everyone else's. There was a LOTTERY! We were just lucky. No testing to prove one way or the other is done. The kids are typical kids who are lucky to have a chance to be in smaller classes and get to experience a different way of teaching. I know a parent who's kindergartner from Parkdale Lane left school and showed up at home TWICE - yes, left school and walked home. That is so scary. I am not criticizing Parkdale (it could be our future school) but this really did happen and it concerns me that schools are already too full. I think that having another school in Encinitas (TIP) frees up some time for teachers in the crowded neighborhood schools to work with the kids already there and gives other kids an opportunity to try another way of teaching. It seems that Encinitas could use another school anyhow to reduce the class sizes in the established schools and to add variety and some competition. I think that the school itself and the basis of its curriculum can only be an asset to the community. It really would be interesting to see how our kids end up testing after a few years and I absolutely don't think they are at risk in any way. The teachers are great at the school. I know of teachers staying behind to tutor students in math after school - on their own time. I was impressed by that. I am also amazed that Kindergartners are writing topic sentences with upwards of EIGHT supporting sentences and then they are written in paragraph form. I think that is pretty awesome. I don't know what other schools are doing but I think that my kids are lucky to have the teachers and curriculum that they do have. They are learning and isn't that what school is really all about? I just hope the administration gets their act together because I know for a fact there would be many many disappointed parents and kids. I would really like to know what this NTR is all about. The person who named themself "I am an Idiot" seemed pretty dramatic about this NTR but WHERE ARE THE FACTS? Come on?? "My head and heart now hurt"?? Are you for real or just trying to start trouble? I really want to know the FACTS and not even the school board has them yet. The school has until the 30th to turn over their paperwork - so it was said at the meeting last night. I am hoping my kids will continue to have TIP as their school. It really would be tragic if there was some reason that charter actually gets revoked. I hope no one out there is WANTING to find some reason to close our school. It does seems like many people are routing for the end of the school. That is just be sad. Hope for the kids that all works out and they have their school to return to next year.

Jay wrote on May 7, 2008 5:25 AM:Where is the NTR available to read. The last two people just had a copy handy?

From the other blog wrote on May 7, 2008 6:28 AM:Apparently:

Where can I find the notice to remedy?

You have to submit a request for public documentation via email to the Elizabeth Wallace at the district.

The NTR wrote on May 7, 2008 6:36 AM:... can be found through a link on the website of the other San Diego newspaper. I hope this gets through the NC Times filter, so everyone concerned can read the document for themselves and make their own conclusions.

Open Letter to Kat wrote on May 7, 2008 6:41 AM:You have stated numerous times that it was your job, as head of the PTA, to bring the contents of the anonymous complaint letter to the attention of the Board.

You definitely did your job.

With that same logic in place, it is now your job to help TIP stay open because, as head of the Parent/Teacher associaton, the parents of TIP are telling you to take whatever action necessary to keep TIP a viable option for all students who are lucky enough to have been chosen in the lottery.

This is a daunting task, to be sure, in light of what is written in the NTR, but when you volunteered to be head of the PTA, you agreed to take on tasks such as these.

Your job, as it now see it, Kat, is to place the wishes of the majority of TIP parents above your own and do whatever you can to help TIP Academy keep its doors open.

TIP to work wrote on May 7, 2008 6:55 AM:If you want TIP to work, then you should start with removing your board members, most of who have financial interests in the school and then removing Mike and Debbie Hazelton.

I am an idiot - To all in question wrote on May 7, 2008 7:06 AM:I am a TIP parent. I am not one of those parents that are in the "know of everything" and know all of the current gossip or what have you. I try to stay out of it. When hearing about all of the allegations, my theory was to just wait and see. I did wait, now have read the NTR, and I would be amazed if someone didn't find the offenses in it. If you don't, then you are truly just being blinded by wanting to keep TIP alive. I too would like to keep TIP alive too, but I cannot stay there with the current administration and board. If there is changes to both, our family would consider staying, but as of now, we won't. I won't dare say anything though about leaving as I hear those who do are just shunned as well as the children. The whole thing is just terrible.

TO EUSD wrote on May 7, 2008 7:11 AM:Question from a TIP parent:

Obviously TIP is going to be shut down. Would you please, please consider turning Ocean Knoll or another campus into a Gifted Curriculum Magnet School? A school sort of like Capri where kids transfer in to be in their Dual-Language Program. I think there is great need and these TIP parents would greatly appreciate being able to stay together and continue with a similar curriculum. Ocean Knoll has been declining in enrollment, maybe this would be a good way to increase enrollment and enrich the school. You would be rid of the Hazelton's and their heft cost and have tax paying parents happy and back in your schools. Please, please seriously consider this.

Suspicious wrote on May 7, 2008 7:55 AM:The NTR is not generally available. You can bet those pretending to be shocked parents are really insiders who originated the proceedings. It's still just a handful of disgruntled parents who are seeking revenge for not having a middle school for their fifth graders.

TO Suspicious wrote on May 7, 2008 8:12 AM:As stated above, there is a link to the document on the other SD newspaper. And the document was available yesterday.

Lets face it wrote on May 7, 2008 8:27 AM:This whole blog is probably 4 people total posting back and forth.

Daunting Task wrote on May 7, 2008 8:52 AM:There is no way all of the line items will be remedied by May 30th. Firing the Hazeltons might be good for the school, but the rest of the items will never get done on time either.

While I can understand that some of the parents wanted the Hazeltons out, I seriously doubt that they wanted the EUSD to use this as an opportunity to close the school.

Shame on the EUSD for not giving the board appropriate time to really remedy the situation that has become public. There is no reason to punish the children at the school to make the superintendent look like a hero to the taxpayers that just want TIP gone.

There should be a better compromise.

Lets get real wrote on May 7, 2008 4:22 PM:Is anyone else tired of the "it's all fine" emails from Cordelia? Honestly, it really doesn't seem fine to me. When are we going to hear from our Board of Directors? I would like a mass email from one of them.

To Lets get real wrote on May 7, 2008 4:36 PM:Cordelia is not going to be part of the solution. She helped contribute to attention being diverted to Palos Verdes instead of where it should have been here in Encinitas! Why don't you ask her where her brother's children go to school.........answer....PV

Realist wrote on May 7, 2008 5:26 PM:I am not tired of the emails from Cordelia, or Mike. I am thankful that they are responding to the parents who care enough to hear both sides of the story, and are confident in their innocence in spite of the slanderous accusations that are being made.
As for TIP PV -- if I were her brother or sister, I would want my children to have the same amazing schooling experience as their cousins. So why wouldn't I ask if TIP could consider a charter in my district. Is it beyond your thinking that TIP Academy is a fantastic school where the teachers and administrators care about the children? Or are you simply so bitter and narrow minded in your perspective that you are going to start assuming that we all share your opinion?

Read it again wrote on May 7, 2008 5:33 PM:The NTR says:
“Unless TIP Academy is able to substantiate and document the foregoing legal and operational violations and deficiencies have not occurred, we believe in order to remediate the conduct we have outlined in this letter TIP must minimally take the following steps: (list including firing Hazeltons)"

TIP has all the evidence they need to prove the legal and operational violations did not occur, so the firing of the Hazeltons etc. is a moot point.

Evidence wrote on May 7, 2008 5:46 PM:You say that TIP has all the evidence they need to prove the legal and operational violations did not occur, so the firing of the Hazeltons etc. is a moot point? If that is true, then they should not keep us all waiting. Have a town hall meeting next week for parents, show everyone the documentation and get it into EUSD now.

Name calling wrote on May 7, 2008 5:51 PM:All this name calling... WHY??? I have a child at Tip and I am very happy with what I have seen this year. There is no need to call me a name because I am doing what I feel is right for my child. Does Tip have bumps yeah sure what school doesn't. Shutting down the school is not the answer to anything. Name calling is not the answer to anything. The paper work is there get it filed and lets get on. Its sad I really do not feel this is the end. Once tip handles this I am sure something else will come up. So hateful...

Cordelia wrote on May 7, 2008 5:52 PM:Cordelia... PLEASE if you read this know that you are a wonderful person who does so much for our school. WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Denise wrote on May 7, 2008 5:55 PM:So many families left our school to go to TIP. Many people on campus are talking about the inevitable closure of TIP and we are wondering if the families will be returning to their home schools. I'm really happy to know that our tax money will now be directed back to our EUSD schools.

TIP Board wrote on May 7, 2008 6:13 PM:Actually, I am not tired of Cordelia's emails. Still, I would also like to hear from our board. We need our board to step in!

TIP is not going to shut down wrote on May 7, 2008 6:25 PM:This is exactly how Mark Demos wants everyone to react! The man who hired Mike in the first place. Also, TIP has the evidence from all of the board meetings that took place. There was nothing criminal going on. The parties being accused of all the allegations are not allowed to vote in order to avoid any "conflict of interest." Don't you think the EUSD representative would have seen any inappropriate financial issues?
And how sad that the people trying to take down TIP will be forever scrutinized in this community. Nice work.

Shame on you wrote on May 7, 2008 6:46 PM:Has anyone even approached the Hazelton's? There is so much name calling and badgering. I am so embarrassed for you. Your children are learning each day how to view things with many lenses or perpectives, but then you see only with one lense. Talk to the Hazelton's! See what they say before you approach a verdict!

You will see once the Hazelton's provide documentation of the items listed in the NTR, whether you can look at them in the eye anymore. You should be ashamed tainting your children with these rumors, which they are way too young to understand! My children are asking me questions about the situation, which they are hearing from YOUR children!

It is odd to me that you want your children to learn how to be a scholar, but then you go against everything that TIP stands for!

Cordelia, I do appreciate all of the emails. I am glad that you are keeping us informed.

So, I encourage all of you.... Get the Facts people! You haven't heard ANYTHING from the Hazelton's, but when you do, and when your children are in another school, learning to memorize mindless information which will not help them in the real-world, take multitude of tests,
and not be prepared for life outside of school, it will be too late!

Support your school, the administration, and those teachers! I feel the worse for the teachers. Not only are they immersed in this ridiculous drama, but they are teaching YOUR children all day, having to stay positive, excited, and fresh. Do you think your child's teacher is sleeping well nowadays?

Shame on you

Titanic wrote on May 7, 2008 7:16 PM:Please read the NTR. You can't unring a bell.

Then register your kids at another school for the fall so the schools can plan on how many teachers and classes will be needed. Take your enthusiasm, volunteerism, and best ideas from TIP to make those schools better.

The vast majority of EUSD parents understand TIP parents were just trying to do the best for their children, and did not want to negatively impact Ocean Knoll, or other EUSD students (We believe that TIP parents didn't like the fact that EUSD lost money when out-of-district students went to TIP). We welcome you back.

If you wait until the ship sinks, you'll have fewer choice of school options.

to Titanic wrote on May 7, 2008 7:47 PM:The NTR is allegations. Not fact.

However, if you are ready to jump ship because you read a blog that fails to differentiate between the two:

JUMP!

TIP will be a stronger school without parents who can't think for themselves.

Something to fear wrote on May 7, 2008 7:47 PM:As I sat and read through all those pages that the EUSD board presented to TIP, I can see the emails and positive notes home have all been a front. For example, look at page 5, subsection D, and you will see that in one of their MOU's, it is stated that in order to terminate a director, they must first have the approval of TIP Education, which consists of, surprise, the directors!! Wow! Do you think they will approve their own termination? This is not only wrong, but illegal. At this point, they should not be worried about the school closing, but about being led away in handcuffs. And, on page 12 of the document, it is clearly stated by EUSD to terminate both Mike and Debbie, or the charter will be revoked. Hmmm, I wonder how they will have the proper paperwork to get out of that one? Read the document online and see for yourself. This is bad. And, I am a TIP parent, not some outsider trying to spread rumors. Time for some serious kool-aid.

To Titanic wrote on May 7, 2008 8:01 PM:You can't "unring" a bell? Really? You can't "unring" a bell if you choose to ONLY read the NTR and not seek out the truth.

Understand the process wrote on May 7, 2008 8:02 PM:Please understand that the doc from the EUSD is the first volley - with every description potentially twisted into the most negative light. Just like the opening argument in any debate. It's amazing how different things can appear when the other side is presented. That being said, the other side needs to be presented carefully and vigorously in due time. (But not too long, please.)

There are obviously those who would like to use scare tactics to encourage people to act precipitously. Think about it - create a panic of parents looking to leave on the assumption the school will close, just in time so it can be used by EUSD to justify claims that enrollment is not going up. Is it a coincidence that EUSD takes the offensive at a time when a Section 39 claim may have been filed against them to obtain additional classroom space?

Just remember, many of the people spouting opinions on this blog are not the ones interested in looking out for your children. It's very clear there is a strong anti-charter contingent active on this site who think your children's "happiness" and success in learning is something to be scoffed at and disregarded. You know best if this school has been good for your children. If so, fight for it. If you have decided not, don't try to ruin it for the others who want to stay because it has been good for their children. I trust that upon reflection you will conclude that is beneath you, and not particularly good karma.

So - all the so-called TIP parents who are so outraged regarding the Hazeltons - do you want the demise of TIP, do you just want the conflict of interest issues clarified and resolved while the Hazeltons stay, or are you just trying to get the Hazeltons out but want the school to continue? If the latter, how do you think you're going to do that and keep the teachers and curriculum?

Time for some serious kool-aid wrote on May 7, 2008 8:06 PM:Are you kidding me? Sounds like a typical Demos response...

What do you do again wrote on May 7, 2008 8:10 PM:Maybe a certain someone should spend more time on his WATCH company that no one has even heard of until now...

To TIP is not ....... wrote on May 7, 2008 8:15 PM:Thank you Cordellia for doing the 40% of Mike's job. Who is doing your job? It's so funny your biggest fan, the fire chief even questioned your conflict of interest issue. But then again, behind closed door who knows what happened. I'm sure Mike is creating the documents as we speak!

Tax Money wrote on May 7, 2008 8:47 PM:I just wonder how much of ALL our tax money the EUSD spent on this high-end lawyer who spent weeks drafting a 168 page document?

sad but true wrote on May 7, 2008 8:49 PM: have read the NTR.
As I see it and understand it there is absolutely no way that TIP can provide all the information, actions requested by the given date.
I am a parent at TIP and my children have had a great year, with amazing teachers. I do not agree with the way the administration at TIP has conducted itself regarding policy, but I do not feel the Hazeltons deserve what is written in the NTR either. EUSD went way beyond reasonable to make a point, which they did on a grand scale!
It is with sadness that my children will not be returning to TIP next year, as I feel the school will be unstable. TIP could have been an incredible, viable charter school, if only it was not run as though it were a private school. If only Debbie could have had the foresight to listen instead of lashing out.

educational law wrote on May 7, 2008 9:07 PM:EUSD submitted their demands with the help of many lawyers familiar with educational law. They, as a district, cannot press false charges, or they will be liable by the state. These are charges, not allegations. These are the exact things that Ginger, Mark, and Kat tried to warn us all about earlier this year, and tried to deal with internally, but everyone called them whistleblowers and ignored them. Now, it is time for payment. I think some of you will be owing apologies to the Ginger crowd before this is all over. You should have listened.

re Open Letter to Kat wrote on May 7, 2008 9:48 PM:You may ask any PTA board member for a copy of the correspondence on this matter and a status update.

If majority of TIP parents want to do whatever they can to help TIP Academy keep its doors open (as was stated in the open letter), they will need to work directly with the administration towards a positive solution, not through the PTA. The administration is working hard to deliver information to the district and to parents in a timely manner. Please be patient with them. The administration has stated that the PTA should have no role in this.

where wrote on May 7, 2008 9:54 PM:where are my posts? why won't they get through!

To educational law wrote on May 7, 2008 10:00 PM:Check carefully the charges EUSD and hope they do not come back to haunt you. I see many instances of negligance and mis-leading information. Slander is also an interesting case to take on.

Attacking Cordelia wrote on May 7, 2008 10:12 PM:Are you kidding me? Cordelia has done nothing but take care of your children and listen to your continuous complaints and frustrations. How dare you take any of this out on her. Stick to your facts (even though you are still oblivious). ASK the Hazeltons face to face and get over yourself. You could probably learn something about humility from your TIP children!

The Ginger Crowd wrote on May 7, 2008 10:21 PM:Ok, I am sorry but seriously...apologies to the "Ginger Crowd?" Comical. Keep it up. Right up there with the whole kool-aid thing. Just brilliant, really.
Let me guess: your crew were the outcasts in college with no friends, right? You should feel right at home with what you are doing.

To Kat wrote on May 7, 2008 10:49 PM:Where is our PTA and the money we donate? For your information, during the STAR test weeks, the PTA normally prepare small snacks for the kids. That's your job, stick with it. If you are too busy fighting with the school, you should just quit.

Lets rally wrote on May 7, 2008 10:52 PM:Rally time! Friday, 3:00 at TIP. Pro-tip people on Primary playground. Anti-Tip people on upper grade playground. Refreshments of kool-aid and pudding will be served. See you there!

one myth that has been spread wrote on May 8, 2008 6:26 AM:One of the complaints from “the committed parents to save TIP,” was that Mike was on a part-time role for his salary of 95,000. Mike was hired to be a full-time employee, however, his contract was not put together and approved by the board in time for him to technically be working the full 180 school days in this year. I can tell however, that he was working before the contract officially came out. If you were to look at his retirement at the end of this year, it will not reflect a full year of service since he was on payroll for a percentage of the school year. The allegations that Mike is working only a part of the year for $95,000 are incorrect. Just ask him.

re one myth that has been spread wrote on May 8, 2008 6:58 AM:Yes, just ask him, he always tells the truth.

To One Myth wrote on May 8, 2008 7:07 AM:Not only that, Mike didn't start getting paid until September. He worked the first year-and-a-half for free! That means he is really making $38K per year. Hardly a princely sum for the guy who wrote the charter.

Ask yourself why this group is spreading myths? What alternative are they proposing? Mark accused Mike, Debbie, Dr. Kaplan, the entire teaching staff, the office staff, his former board colleagues and the new board. Is he suggesting we remove all these people and the school will be better? Thanks for saving us!

Another Myth wrote on May 8, 2008 7:50 AM:I think Mark wants to play prinicipal.

Principal Demos wrote on May 8, 2008 8:21 AM:He'll always be on time!

Stop using names wrote on May 8, 2008 9:53 AM:Let's see just how many livlihoods and reputations we can ruin in a short amount of time. Do any of you have any scruples?

Juveniles wrote on May 8, 2008 9:56 AM:If I didn't know better I'd think that it might be the children writing in this blog. I know that cannot be, however, because children have more civility.

Please people, this is already contentious enough. We really don't need to throw all this fuel on the fire.