Shame On You wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:19 PM:And the Hazelton's thought that they could outsmart Encinitas school district and the taxpayers. Hopefully this will prevent them from ever opening up another charter school again. It's time for you two and others to go make an honest living.

Brown Act wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:55 PM:Why is EUSD meeeting in closed session to discuss this? They cannot hide behind "potential litigation" - no one at TIP is talking about litigation. (Appeal, perhaps, but not litigation.) Seems like TIP are not the only ones [allegedly] violating the Brown act.

EUSD - watch out that TIP parents don't start lodging Brown Act violation complaints against you! Or worse still, your actions could nulify this whole closure process.

Thank you wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:11 AM:Thank you, EUSD! In a time of extreme educational budget cuts, I am so grateful to see that you are so carefully monitoring the use of our public funds. You will get some angry TIP parents(many of whom are not even from Encinitas), but the greater Encinitas community supports you and the job that you are doing!

Ditto to Thank You wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:47 AM:I wholeheartedly agree with Thank You. It is frightening that so many loopholes still exist in the charter school system. It is unfortunate that a few individuals can come into a district and [allegedly] simply slip money into their own pockets. I know TIP families will say, "But the education is amazing", but that feeling does not override corruption. Further oversight laws and regulations need to be implemented today. Maybe TIP will be one for the books.

I'm glad that the money will return to ALL CHILDREN and not just a few individuals.

TO EUSD wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:53 AM:Thank you EUSD for maintaining professionalism throughout this whole ordeal and thank you for always keeping children first.

A Grateful Encinitan wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:55 AM:I second remarks by "Thank You." I, too, am grateful to the Encinitas Union School District for their diligence as overseers. They have acted in the best interest of Encinitas' children and our tax dollars.

Particularly egregious is that this is a school where people have [allegedly] acted above the law and have profited greatly while doing so! If even half the transgressions mentioned in the article have occurred , TIP's students and parents have been extremely ill-served.

This situation illustrates how an education means much more than teaching subject matter, it also means modeling good citizenship and ethical behavior.

I applaud Dr. King and the EUSD school board.

Interesting wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:01 AM:Interesting items found in the EUSD agenda:

If TIP were to remain open, it would have a financial impact of over $1.7 to the school district. Quite a chunk of money that could go towards many programs for the district.

Mike Hazelton may need to repay his last year's salary to the district, ie. taxpayers due to the fact that his contract is considered void because is [allegedly] was made in violation of state law.

leucadiadel wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:08 AM:The Hazeltons [allegedly] pulled the same stuff in VUSD at a Vista charter school. It's online, so why didn't the TIP families do some research? Children need stability, and bouncing children from school to school creates both social and academic problems for students. After this TIP fiasco, please keep your kids in one school and support their teachers.

Applause to EUSD wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:09 AM:You have worked extremely hard for our school district. As an Encinitas resident and parent of an EUSD student, I thank you for all of your hard work in this matter.

Furthermore, I am proud of the education that my children are receiving as EUSD. All have been identified as GATE and all are receiving a great education that challenges and inspires them. They are also learning how to be good citizens and contributing members of society. Thank you!

Encinitas Mother wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:12 AM:Thank you EUSD. We need all the money we barely get to help fairly educate those in our districts. We don't need ticks preying on our childrens future. Keep up the good work.

Tammy wrote on Jul 4, 2008 9:50 AM:I am really sad for the teachers. They are really good teachers and I hope that EUSD will consider offering them jobs if there are any available.

Ocean Knoll Neighbor wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:30 AM:I've always wondered why a charter school needed to "share" a public school site -- and separate the gifted from the rest of us. Wasn't Brown v. Board of Education all about not maintaining separate but equal facilities? If the charter schools accept public monies, then they need to abide by the laws enacted to protect the public interest.
Sad that it's come to this. Sad that the school district can't be flexible enough to create their own programs to meet this seemingly unfilled need. Sad that Ocean Knoll is so "third world" that the gifted are given their own school system. Can't we serve our children better?

Re Brown Act wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:34 PM:You may want to a) read up on the Brown Act and/or b) read the comments from EUSD re the Brown Act (like Cliff Notes for people that don't pay attention). It is not a violation to hold closed meetings but a violation not to report on what transpired during those meetings.

After all that has gone down with TIP it is amazing to continue to hear this kind of nonsense coming from what is likely a very few staff members or parents.

Seahorse wrote on Jul 4, 2008 2:12 PM:Many of the TIP leaders are connected to the encinitas city council majority, so none of this is a surprise.

To Ocean Knoll neighbor wrote on Jul 4, 2008 2:21 PM:plenty of gifted kids of all ethnicities at Ocean Knoll and not all TIP kids gifted

stop by and visit with the OK principal in the fall and learn about this remarkable school

Umm.. wrote on Jul 4, 2008 2:42 PM:Mike Hazelton should have stuck to the 6th grade at Palmquist.

re BRown Act wrote on Jul 4, 2008 3:11 PM:Commenting again about the board meetings- it is not illegal for the EUSD board to hold closed meetings. Those meetings are well announced ahead of time- and all memebers are notified that are allowed to be there - then the meeting notes are posted to the public immediately after the meeting- Tip was holding closed meetings- without announcement- and not including the district liason which is illegal- be sure to check your facts and law before you accuse EUSD of doing the same thing as TIP

Brown Act wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:11 PM:EDUCATION CODE SECTION 47608
"All meetings of the governing board of the school district ... at which the ... revocation ... of a charter petition is discussed shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code)."

GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9. [sub-chapter of the Ralph M. Brown Act.]
“… a local agency, [may hold] a closed session to confer with, or receive advice from, its legal counsel regarding pending litigation … litigation shall be considered pending when any of the following circumstances exist:
(a) Litigation … has been initiated formally.
(b) (1) A point has been reached where … there is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency.
(c) … the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.”

CONCLUSION
Yes, it is illegal for EUSD Board to hold closed session meetings to discuss revoking TIP's charter, especially given the directive in the Ed Code that such discussions be public. As stated above, EUSD are trying to hide saying that this exposes them to possible litigation. We all know TIP will be long gone before the point of litigation is reached - the appeals process will take care of that.
Also, the meeting can only be closed to discuss with legal council - was the EUSD attorney always present? Who knows? It's not stated anywhere who is present in their closed meetings.
Again, as stated above, it would be a shame if all of EUSD's careful planning in taking TIP down, were declared illegal because they did not follow the public meeting laws.

re Ocean Knoll wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:28 AM:Ocean Knoll is NOT "Third World", it is REAL WORLD. It truly is a remarkable school.

SicTired wrote on Jul 5, 2008 7:29 AM:Perhaps some of the angry TIP parents can find it within themselves to stop being so angry and self-focused, and then come back to the real EUSD schools and participate in their children's education. Who knows, they might even help another child along the way. It takes a village gang. And to those parents at TIP from outside of Encinitas: Get out and give us our money back!

Bless you EUSD for at least giving this a fair chance, and now for doing what's truly right for the kids and families of Encinitas

Re Brown Act wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:52 AM:What's truly amazing is the arrogance. Have you thought/realized that this isn't working for you, that blaming the district rather than the corrupt administration and policies is not working in your favor?

Wool over eyes wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:29 AM:So Dr. King will make over $205,000 per year, and the board reserves the right to give him raises at any time. Not to mention the $135,000 plus per Assistant Superintendent! No wonder we need to save our pennies! It's all right there in his contract in the posted agenda. No wonder they have never line itemed his salary in the budget. And we were all worried about TIP administration being so high paid...

Angela wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:52 AM:"Re Brown Act" states the operative word here - ARROGANCE. The arrogance of TIP's administrators is what caused TIP's downfall.

I doubt that the angry TIP posts and rants against EUSD for doing its job correctly are by TIP parents who aren't employed by TIP. We've seen the style of writing in "Brown Act"" before, the misspelling of legal counsel as "council", the pointing the finger at EUSD. It is the tactic of TIP's administrators.

TIP's lawyers better have malpractice insurance b/c after TIP is shut down, TIP will be blaming its legal COUNSEL!

no wool just cotton wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:55 AM:I disagree, Dr. King is in charge of a whole district, not one school.

TIP families need to come back to reality and realize this is PUBLIC schools and they are draining the resources by demanding a special place for their kids. My kids have done great at one of the "other" schools. We love our school and community.
I am glad the district is being firm and taking action.

teachermom wrote on Jul 5, 2008 1:06 PM:we love our eusd public school system. our children (gifted, for real) are thriving, and their teachers are incredibly hard working and consistently differentiate the curriculum to meet the needs of each student. it's not easy, i know, since i also teach in another local public school district. tip parents need to find a school that they and their kids will be happy and successful at. please don't come back into the eusd system. the negative attitude brings down your kids, my kids and the school staff. you may have to PAY and DRIVE to send your kids to private schools. beware, those schools may not have credentialed or fingerprinted staff. la jolla has three very academically successful private schools. get ready to write a big check, and stop complaining.

PV Parent wrote on Jul 5, 2008 3:32 PM:As a parent and educator who has been watching from a far (Palos Verdes, where TIP tried unsuccessfully to open a school), I couldn’t be happier for the people of EUSD at the news that this charter will most likely be revoked and the money siphoned by TIP will return to the EUSD where it belongs!

The Hazelton’s have provided NOTHING new or different at their school. Dr. Kaplan’s strategies (they are not curriculum) have been around since I was in teacher training in 1988!!!!!!!!! Some teachers do it well others do not, so is the reality of life. Having children learn to adjust is part of the great learning experience.

I encourage all of you in the EUSD to attend the revocation meeting and show your support to your district. This little experiment has already cost your district hundreds of thousands of dollars that could have gone to your children. These parents may use all types of excused to rationalize their actions, but the reality is they wanted to leave the “less desirable school” to create a private school setting for their little darlings. Unfortunately, this all took place at the expense of their friends and neighbors and hasn’t cost them a dime out of their pocket. SHAMEFUL!!!!!!!!!!

To teachermom wrote on Jul 5, 2008 5:41 PM:TIP Academy is part of the eusd public school district and always has been. Our children (perhaps not gifted) were thriving and their teachers were incredibly hard working and consistently differentiated the curriculum to meet the needs of each student. Why would I pay for private school? Why would I have a negative attitude? It sounds like all TIP children will just fit right in.
Who is complaining here?

Ocean Knoll parent wrote on Jul 5, 2008 6:13 PM:Ocean Knoll is the best kept secret in the EUSD. Reminiscent of schools in the 50's—quiet setting, walls of windows all the way up to the ceiling, mature trees, big playground and a glimpse of the ocean off in the distance. Most important, amazing, nurturing and caring teachers and staff at this State Blue Ribbon and Golden Bell award-winning school. Attending Harvard last year there were three students who had been schooled from K to 6 at the same EUSD school. Which school was it? . . . Ocean Knoll!

To To teachermom wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:25 PM:Note: TIP has not always been a part of EUSD, only 2 years old. EUSD teachers too are hard working and differentiating. Regarding negative attitudes and complaints, please read any prior blog on NCTimes regarding TIP and you will clearly find the reasoning for this statement. Oh, and regarding paying for private school, because rumor has it that Mike and Debbie are calling parents to see if they would be willing to pay for a TIP private school.

tototeachermom wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:30 PM:Thank you Cordelia. For your information, TIP is not a part of EUSD rather than got authorized by EUSD. EUSD is doing the major funding of the schooland has oversight on this charter. At least do your research and stop drinking Kool aid. Remember, it's called oversight and that's why TIP needs to be shut down!
Stop wasting tax payers money!

GREAT STUFF Man wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:14 PM:I can't wait for Tuesday's meeting! Too bad we can't hold it at the La Paloma and breathe in the strength of years gone by. Chyah!

Ross wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:22 PM:I'm not a TIP supporter and my friend shared an email from one of the TIP parents today to encourage the Tippsters to come to the board meeting and have a rally before the meeting. Enough is enough. They have done nothing but a public outcray about how much they love the school. I guess they don't care if a bunch of corrupted people teach their kids! Ms. Conde is not even an Encinitas resident. It is just like the other joker that wrote a letter to the editor of the other paper that how much TIP has changed the education of his kid where his kid has not even started the kindergarten.

A Question wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:24 PM:I'm late to this story, but I'm wondering why these great teachers aren't working in Encinitas' other schools? I'd love to have this awesome teaching staff at our local schools! Keep the Haze, however. Not interested in them.

Enough is enough wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:34 AM:Yes, Ms. Conde is a resident of San Marcos. I find it outrageous that she is organizing a rally to lobby our EUSD. Please go and rally your own school board, maybe you can get a TIP San Marcos started. TIP's free ride on our Encinitas taxpayers' dollars is OVER (thank goodness). All of you TIP parents who always said that you would pay private tuition for this type of education; well, it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Start a private school!

To A Question wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:46 AM:The reason TIP teachers aren't working in other schools is that they came from Oceanside with the Hazelton's.

Encinitas is known for having the most capable teachers in all San Diego County. In the last dozen years, Encinitas has had three teachers (and numerous finalists) named one County Teachers of the Year chosen among much larger school districts --including high school districts! But awards aside, Encinitas draws the best teachers because of the leadership and extraordinarily involved parent populations around. For GATE, EUSD has been using differentiation for years, exactly the same method TIP uses. (Actually there are far more effective methods for teaching the gifted child, such as ability-grouping used in secondary ed, but that's another debate.)

Current Encinitas teachers represent the best of the best. The district, parents and students of Encinitas know this well, and our only hope is that this TIP fiasco doesn't scare then away.

To Enough is enough wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:57 AM:You are so right! I hope the supporters of EUSD will show up as well for their children's sake! The district needs to know they are supported and our children need us to help bring these funds back into THEIR schools!

To Enough is enough wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:08 AM:You nailed it! The Tipsters just don't get it. Rally all you want! As was pointed out in the EUSD reply, they have focused on a PR campaign rather than attempting to address the issues. Once again they are putting their energy in the wrong place. Perhaps that is because they know the problems with their school can not be fixed! The party is over, it will be interesting to see just how many Tipsters actually show up to rally. Any of them with a brain will be out securing a transfer for their children to their new schools instead of spending their time at a worthless rally.

tipsy tipster wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:58 AM:It seems like giving our kids a chance to be at a school where the curriculum does not involve any teaching to the test has failed. I am holding up my kool-aid in a toast to the teachers who gave it their best (most of them anyway) and did not waste one instructional minute on test taking skills. I hope EUSD will at least take into consideration what it was that made all the parents give TIP a try. Now, I will be bringing my kool-aid to my local EUSD school and hoping it is as good as you all say. One question...where will our Apple Carts go, and could EUSD PLEASE try to improve their technology on each campus? An outdated computer lab shared by the entire school is NOT impressive.

To tipsy tipster wrote on Jul 6, 2008 12:36 PM:Don't under estimate good test taking skills. Teaching children to test well is a valuable tool. I wonder, do your children ever plan on taking the PSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT or perhaps ever GRE? Good luck entering EUSD. Children adjust to change much better than adults, I'm sure they will continue to thrive.

TO tipsy tipster wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:40 PM:The Apple Cart - I'm sure the Hazelton's already have it listed on Ebay payable to the account of TIP Education. On testing taking - ditto to above, it is a great skill to have and you all exaggerate how much time is spent on it at EUSD. It really boils down to The Standards and how much content each grade level should be teaching. It is really a good thing for our children. Lastly, on technology - first, get on a committee and start volunteering and/or raising money to purchase all the technology you desire. Second point, just think how much $1.7 could buy of the latest and greatest technology.

EncinitasDeservesBetter wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:39 PM:There has been one good thing with TIP coming to town. The EUSD has finally realized that they need to take a look at their own GATE program. That is what competition does, it makes everything better. EUSD parents should take notice. Their school API scores have gone down. It is great we have a balanced budget, but all we have to show for it is mediocre education for our children. We need better leadership at EUSD. Don't renew Dr. King's contract.

tipsy tipster wrote on Jul 6, 2008 7:33 PM:Thanks for your comments. I will definitely be working to improve the technology at the school where my kids end up. I'm not sure I agree with the comments on test taking, but I'll take your word for it. Now, how do you EUSD people feel about chocolate pudding?
PS I won't be at the rally. I got an email telling me to go to a rally and try to fire Dr. King. It is not worth my time!

Encinitas Kids Need TIP wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:05 PM:Why isn't anybody investigating Dr. King? He said from the beginning that he would do whatever it took to shut TIP down. TIP makes him look bad. Compared to other districts, Encinitas is average at best. Is this the best we can do for our kids? TIP lit a fire to make the EUSD finally take notice. We need to stop Dr. King from being a bully. He is abusing his power. He doesn't care about the kids at any of the schools. It is all about the money and power. How sad it is that a bunch of educated adults can ruin it for all the children. It is a sad day for education in Encinitas if the EUSD revokes TIP's charter.

To EncinitasDeservesBetter wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:34 PM:Don't renew Dr. King's contract? On the contrary, this whole TIP debacle has served to reveal Dr. King's abilities as a strong leader. We should GIVE THE MAN A MEDAL for decisive action in acting to protect our district.

Sour grapes is what you're tasting, and your insolence in lecturing EUSD about its API scores when TIP scored lower than EUSD's regular non-Title I is appalling.

For the damage TIP has done to our city, by acting apparently without regard to the law, and by draining revenue away from the majority in order to have a private school setting for a tiny few—HUMILITY would be far more becoming attitude.

What you owe EUSD and the citizens of Encinitas is a huge apology—not more arrogance and vindictiveness.

to encinitas kids need TIP wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:23 PM:Thank you Michelle for your thoughts. Instead of making people rally for a lost cause please go back to your san marcos hole and stop wasting everyone's time. Dr. King has shown some balls that even our legislators don't dare to address. Game is over and please don't waste anyone's time.

To To EncinitasDeservesBetter wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:24 PM:Well stated.

TIG-theory and greed wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:50 AM:DEAR EUSD, Looks Like the Trifecta is over. Fired-Debbie Hazelton, Fired -Lisa Bishop, Fired- Sandra Kaplan. The TIP(theory and prosperity)-fired.

WhataBoard wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:59 AM:I can not believe the TIP Board is so pompous. EUSD gave them every opportunity to do the right thing, and they still think they are above it. Ron d Board President will take the school to its grave just to get back at EUSD for exposing some of his [alleged] deals.

To Encinitas Kids Need TIP wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:14 AM:Crazy comments and completely off base! What a joke. Let's keep the people breaking the law and fire the person who took his oversight responsibilities seriously. Please stop hitting the bottle.

Ross wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:17 AM:So, what does it mean? That Debbie is working full time to consult the school? A Mangement company suggested by Nicole Moore? Didn't she try to be on the board of TIP? This thing smells so bad from top to bottom! I hope EUSD board pull the plug on this mess. Enough wasting our resources on this Theory which was a bad practice!

Ross wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:31 AM:So, what does it mean? Is Debbie working full time as their consult? A Mangement company suggested by Nicole Moore and endorsed by Ron? Didn't Ms. Moore try to be on the board of TIP? This thing smells so bad from top to bottom! I hope EUSD board pull the plug on this mess. Enough wasting our resources on this Theory which was a bad practice!

Amazing wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:25 AM:I guess some people have not heard of bowing out gracefully. It is amazing that when you are at the very end, you still choose to throw mud. I am hoping these postings are just coming from the desperate leadership at TIP and not the parents because the reasoning and rational are illogical.

Competition is good wrote on Jul 7, 2008 5:20 PM:TIP wasn't a completely futile endeavor. A little competition, and EUSD was suddenly interested in developing its GATE program. Congratulations to all those EUSD parents who are happy with their neighborhood school. Unfortunately, there are several poor-performing schools in the district and, quite obviously, a very large group of parents who are not satisfied. Every family's experience is different; not every child thrives. It's sad to see the level of animosity that has developed between parents. While not a "Tipster," I was pulling for the school. Again, a little competition forces everyone to improve their game. It's too bad the district's first (and now probably last) charter endeavor was fraught with corruption and/or ineptitude.

Concerned Parent wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:05 PM:I think it was the right thing for EUSD to investigate allegations against the administration of Tip Academy. What I do not understand is why they are not willing to meet with the Tip board and find a solution to the problem instead of issuing an order to revoke the charter? The Tip board is doing everything in their power to meet the conditions put forth by EUSD. Why is EUSD not willing to work with them and talk to them face to face? At least give the school a chance to correct the problems. I have always been taught that whenever there is a problem, you sit down and discuss it face to face. I am very sad to see that this has not happened. There are 280 kids that will be displaced if the school is shut down.

ROUSS wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:04 PM:I think that in all this the real loosers are the kids. They had just gotten used being in the environment that they enjoyed and exceled in (from all the reports) and now they have to move just because of EUSD and TIP's admin's abilities to work things out together. I wonder if anyone in EUSD and TIP admin (now no longer there) had kid's interest at heart. All those who have posted all the BS about "pompous", "breaking the law" etc dont really care about those kids either IMHO

To Concerned Parent wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:48 PM:Answer: $1.7 million EUSD budget shortfall

ROUSS wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:01 PM:To "Amazing": this is not a competition where someone is "bowing out". Its 280 kids and their parents who have been put in terrible situation because of both ineptitude of TIP admin and EUSD's unwillingness to acutally work out a solution.

To Concerned Parent wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:02 AM:I am so tired of the $1.7 million comments. A majority of TIP students are from EUSD, so most of the $1.7 million has simply followed many of those students. I am not a TIP parent, but I truly believe that the only way the bar for education will be raised is to bring in some competition. Competition keeps everyone on their toes. Do any of you work in the private work force? Why do you assume that those same principles do not apply for public education?

Ross wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:11 AM:I'm as mad as hell and can't take it anymore! Is this a notice coming from a clerk at TIP or well orchestrated by ...people at TIP?

"As most of you know, the EUSD board will address the Notice To Remedy at their board meeting tomorrow night, July 8th. According to their posted agenda, they intend to authorize the district to issue a Notice of Intent to Revoke TIP's charter. Now is the time to come together in support of our school. Parents, grandparents, friends of TIP families, second-cousins once-removed, put on your TIP gear and show the EUSD board that there are still hundreds of families committed to keeping TIP Academy open. The board meets in closed-session at 6pm and opens to the public at 6:30 pm. By arriving at 5:30 pm, before the board meets, we can let the board feel our presence before they close their doors. The meeting will take place at the district office at 101 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd.
There may be media in attendance, and while anger over our situation is understandable, right now we need to focus on the positive aspects of TIP Academy. Positive messages in support of our school, teachers and of course the children are all welcome. I believe I'm not alone in saying that I've had enough of TIP Academy and its supporters being cast in a negative light. By keeping comments, signs or banners positive and resisting the temptation to point fingers or assign blame, our focus of keeping our great school open, stays in the forefront.
The EUSD only needs to allot 15 minutes to address any subject. It's important that TIP Board members and the TIP attorney have the opportunity to speak, so we will probably only need 1 or 2 parent speakers tomorrow night.
Many parents asked about bringing their children. This is entirely up to you. ...

Totoconcerned parent wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:14 AM:Do you understand the law? ... So, you have no problem when people ripping you or your kids off?! :(

Concerned Parent wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:18 AM:I do not think any parent is happy to hear that the admin at their child's school has not been doing their job properly!
If a problem was found at one of the EUSD schools, I am sure the EUSD board would do everything in their power to find a solution to that problem and either fire the people involved or give them a warning, but they would not just shut down the school and displace all the children and teachers!

Responsibility wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:48 AM:I find it curious that TIPsters blame EUSD for not stepping in to correct TIPs misdeeds. TIP wanted no interference from EUSD in how it operated its school, it knew better how to run it, who should staff it, how to teach, etc. Yet when its own poor decisions got TIP into trouble, suddenly it wants to shift the responsibility of fixing it onto EUSD.

Any agency cannot be asked to be hands off in key decisions only to be asked to "correct the problems" every time others' independent decisions create a mess. Can you see what a drain of time and money solving such serious problems would be away from the districts other 5,000+ students?

This charter school attitude that "we know more than public school districts," along with their huge lobby in Sacramento, is long on promises (and spending money) but apparently short on taking responsibility for their actions.

Instead of working hard to fix the problems months ago, TIP spent their energy on "selling" TIP to the public. Pro-TIP editorials never mentioned charges of their school's breaking laws that on on the books to protect the public from corruption.

The method used instead was an emotional plea for pity for the "280 kids that will be displaced." TIP parents didn't mind "displacing" their kids out of their previous schools into an untested experimental school, so why the sudden horror of moving their kids?

It's not so easy to run a school, let alone a school district. If a charter school thinks it can do a better job, current charter school law gives it great freedom to try. But don't blame the host district from whom it receives public funding to operate outside the regular school system.

Concerned Parent wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:31 PM:I am not blaming EUSD for not stepping in to correct Tip's problems. EUSD was notified of some problems at Tip and they did the right thing by investigating the matter. What I do not understand is why EUSD is not sitting down face to face with the Tip board and discussing the problems. Tip should be given a fair chance to correct the problems. The Tip board is doing everything in its power to adhere to the points listed in the Notice to Remedy.
I am curious to see if all these changes will be taken into consideration when EUSD makes a decision tonight.