One-third of North County charter schools struggled this year

Low enrollment, leadership, dwindling finances among problems cited

By SHAYNA CHABNER - Staff Writer | Saturday, July 26, 2008 4:11 PM PDT ∞

Parents, kids and teachers gathered outside the Encinitas Union School District offices earlier this year to lobby to keep the Theory Into Practice Academy open. (File art by John Koster - for the North County Times)

NORTH COUNTY ---- Six of North County's 17 charter schools have either closed or face closure this year for reasons ranging from low enrollment to questionable leadership, raising questions among some educators and parents about the viability of charters.

"Everybody is looking at North County and saying, 'What is going on out there?'" said Jayna Gaskell, an interim director at the struggling Bayshore Prep Charter School in San Marcos.

Charters receive state funding and have to meet state standards in curricula and testing ---- just like traditional public schools ---- but they have more freedom in using nontraditional teaching methods and in how they spend their money.

Three charters closed this year and three others are at risk of being shut down.

More than a dozen administrators, parents, students and educators from all over North County said last week that there were numerous reasons why charter schools are struggling, including competition, politics, leadership and low enrollment.

Others said the underlying factor affecting struggling charters was economics, noting that schools with stagnant or declining enrollments had received fewer dollars per student from the state in recent years and were facing more education cuts this year.

Public schools receive most of their funds from the state based on how many children are in school each day.

Whatever the reasons for the recent spike in charter school closings, local educators said North County's charters have struggled more this year than at any time since the charter school movement began in California in 1992.

The list of North County's hard-knocks charters is lengthy:

-- School of Business and Technology, Oceanside: Closed this month after struggling with enrollment since it opened in 2003.

-- All Tribes American Indian Charter School, Valley Center: Voluntarily closed this month on the same night district trustees were expected to shut it down anyway over concerns about the alleged mismanagement of funds and overstated enrollment figures.

-- Sun Valley Charter High School, Ramona: Closed in January because of what district officials described as insurmountable debt.

-- Theory Into Practice Academy, Encinitas: Could lose its charter over allegations of fiscal mismanagement and conflicts of interest.

-- Eagles Peak Charter School, Vista: Could lose its charter over ongoing problems with declining enrollment, debt and budget cuts.

-- Bayshore Prep, San Marcos: Slapped by district trustees with a conditional one-year extension of its charter with a mandate to change administrators, rewrite policies and fix questionable bookkeeping practices by Aug. 1.

Passing and failing

Charter schools are exempt from many of the state's guidelines because they're viewed as educational incubators --- experimental campuses giving birth to innovative teaching techniques.

With that freedom, though, comes some restrictions. The charter schools can't operate without a sponsoring district. And to remain open, they must demonstrate that their educational programs are working.

Districts typically measure a charter's success by how well its students perform on annual standardized tests, how well it competes with other schools in attracting students, and whether it can operate without losing money.

"That's the one thing I like about the charter school movement," said Denny Snyder, executive director of Escondido Charter High School. "If something is not being done correctly, if you are not meeting kids' needs ... you close."

In fact, that was part of the deal in 1992 when state legislators passed a law letting parents, community groups and nonprofits open charter schools as alternatives to traditional campuses: Succeed ---- or shut down.

Legislators said they wanted to give charters a chance to discover alternative ways to teach kids by not saddling them with the kinds of strict guidelines traditional schools face --- everything from what can be taught in classes to who can sit on school boards.

But they also wanted school districts to close charters when they weren't doing a good job.

That's what happened this year to several North County charters that had been accused by their district officials of everything from mismanaging finances to overreporting enrollment.

All Tribes, Eagle Peak and Sun Valley were each singled out for running up debt, for example. Sun Valley, which was $72,000 in debt when it folded in January, had been warned by district officials that it was not following general accounting and bookkeeping practices.

All Tribes leaders had also been criticized by district officials for not having its governing board approve contracts or vote on school matters in a timely fashion. And board members at both Bayshore Prep and Theory Into Practice came under scrutiny for allegedly approving contracts that financially benefited some of their board members.

Several founding Theory Into Practice members alleged, for example, that school directors were persuaded unwisely to hire founder Deborah Hazelton's husband as director of operations and development for $110,000 a year.

The board has since dismissed the Hazeltons.

"I wanted them to be successful and outstanding, and they are not," said San Marcos Unified Trustee Mary Borevitz, the only board member who voted against a one-year renewal of Bayshore Prep's charter in June. "We did everything we could to give them a chance."

The other problem most of the hard-pressed charters have struggled with has been enrollment --- perennially, in some cases. Both Sun Valley and the School of Business and Technology struggled each year to bring in more than 100 students, for example.

Flawed relationship

Leaders and parents involved with the six charters that have closed or face closure said last week that their sponsoring districts hadn't done everything they could to help them succeed, in part, they argued, because districts have a vested interest in charters that fail.

They said that's because students from charter schools that have shut down typically re-enroll in a regular school, raising enrollment and bringing in more state funds for districts.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that so many schools in the area are under intense scrutiny after the state released its budget," said Bayshore Prep parent Dena Kinsey. "These districts seem like they are being pretty nasty toward the schools because they are successful."

The perception among some parents and students that districts are out to close charter schools, she added, is reinforced when districts take a hands-off approach and allow accounting, management and attendance reporting problems to mount until it's too late to change ---- such as when a charter is up for renewal.

"It's like nobody is thinking about the kids," said Christian Kolb, a student at All Tribes.

The three schools that closed this year were up for charter renewals or were dealing with probes launched by their sponsoring districts after a questionable audit, parent complaints or employee allegations.

The Encinitas Union School District launched an investigation into conflict-of-interest allegations and fiscal mismanagement, for example, after a former Theory Into Practice board member filed a complaint earlier this year with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction saying that school leaders were simultaneously running the school and a separate education foundation.

San Marcos Unified Assistant Superintendent Len Judd and other North County district officials and trustees have dismissed all the hands-off arguments, saying it's ridiculous to suggest they're concerned about losing students to charters for budgetary reasons.

Districts generally become concerned only over things such as lagging enrollment, falling test scores, rising debt and questionable management and business practices, Judd and other district leaders said.

"I think the bottom line is that districts do have the oversight, but charter schools need to be doing the right thing," said Snyder. "If you are not spending the money right or you are mismanaging funds, you should be closed down."

Contact staff writer Shayna Chabner at (760) 740-5416 or schabner@nctimes.com.

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Obvious wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:03 PM:For years, the perception was that charter schools were the cure all for public education. Suddenly, a ton of research has come out showing that most charter schools and their students perform far worse than their public school counterparts.

The reality is that education is a very difficult business. The Charter school system, with a very few exceptions, is a very poorly managed experiment.

up to the teacher wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:27 PM:Supposedly, charter schools were set up to find alternative, innovative, and exciting ways to teach students which you couldn't do at traditional schools. What a misperception. At any given school, you have basically the same things: students, books, desks, a few computers, and a teacher.

The innovation and excitement come from the teacher. The best teachers I've ever seen are in the public school system.

Sure, there are some turkeys, but there are some great ones, too. That's why we've got the highest literacy rate in the history of the world.

Survival of fittest wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:31 PM:Snyder is absolutely correct. The good charter schools, like his, will survive. The ones without vision, mission, and good accounting will fail.

It is just like a public bond act.

Take that, EUHSD.

Truth wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:58 PM:Take a look at the socio-economic makeup of the charter schools in North County. Most are middle to upper class. Then look at their API scores. Most are barely making it.

Actually, almost 100% of these publicly funded private schools are struggling.

Keb wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:21 AM:That is too bad about the charter schools. Isn't the new school being built in Carlsbad off of Cannon and college supposed to be a charter school not a public school. I hope I am wrong.

Ned wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:45 AM:Most charter schools are public schools. Many are still held to the same acountability and requirements that public schools are held to: the state testing, internal and external auditing, balancing of budgets, hiring of certified teachers, adherence to the NCLB mandates...
The article makes clear that mismanagment was a factor in the closing of several of these schools, and mismanagment can manifest itself in many ways.
Charters can do a lot of good. What people have to keep in mind is that education, like so many things in life, is not a one size fits all type of situation.

Scooter wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:16 AM:I'll back up "Coach" Snyder. His school will survive because he makes it happen, as well as his teachers and staff. You cannot lump all charter schools in the same heap, and most would do well to mimic Coach's school and staff, as well as their focus. Keep up the great work, Coach!

Sam wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:20 AM:Why are they building a new charter school and stadium on Hwy 76 & Melrose and closing other schools in the state for lack of monies, scandels, graft, etc.? These school districts should be investigated!

Maria wrote on Jul 27, 2008 11:12 AM:So what sets Snyder charter school apart?

Has anyone seen the racial profile in comparison with the CA standardized scores?

How about AP classes and college entrance?

How about equal access to education?

How about special education?

How many special education students does Snyder school have?

How about Hispanic and black?

Is enrollment open?

There are way too many questions and no answers because for almost a decade charter schools have had no accountability.

Lets just hope we get a democratic president to clean San Diego.

TIP and others wrote on Jul 27, 2008 11:18 AM:Are bad apples that spoil the whole barrel. Go Coach Snyder!

Taxpayer wrote on Jul 27, 2008 12:25 PM:Most charter schools operate with public funds. We hold school districts accountable. I am glad that some districts are holding charter schools under their purvue accountable. I agree with Coach Snyder - charter schools should do the right thing or be closed down.

Charter School Parent wrote on Jul 27, 2008 3:57 PM:My sons have attended a North County charter school for 5 years. The school is one of the top test scoring schools in the area and my sons are thriving. I wish the NCT would print an article on the other 11 No. County charter schools that are successful and assets to their communities.

FYI wrote on Jul 27, 2008 6:29 PM:EVERY charter school is publicly funded.

Wake UP everyone wrote on Jul 27, 2008 8:19 PM:Our public high schools are failing - almost 25% of our students drop out - why are our school districts not outraged by this fact. People keep harping on charter schools - hey, they're just trying another angle to see if they can interest the lost students but they haven't been getting any help from the districts. Why is that? Well I have to answer that teacher unions have a lot to protect here - charter school don't have to hire union teachers - they can hire the best people for the job. This is all so wrong and everyone wonders why there are so many gangs and kids hanging out and causing problems. Try and fix'em and you get stopped by the teachers unions and school districts. Education is stuck in a time warp and we have to do something drastic. Maybe new school boards will be a place to start, I don't know - but it isn't working now, 1 out of 4 kids is one too many.

Christa wrote on Jul 27, 2008 8:24 PM:Charter School Parent- So what is the name of your charter school in the North County?

What is the racial composition of your charter school?

What is the economic status of the student body as a whole?
How many special education students does your school have?

Does your charter school only accept students from local churches?

Is the majority of your school enrollment from political circles?
Does your charter school comply with the Brown Act?

How about the Sarbanes-oxley Act?
Are the Members of the Board of Directors also employees of the charter school?

Are Members of the Board of Directors families employed at the charter school?
Is there a yearly complete financial disclosure “audit” every year for the parents and community to inspect?

I too agree with Executive Director of the Escondido Charter Academy Denny Snyder closing statements in this North County Times article:

"I think the bottom line is that districts do have the oversight, but charter schools need to be doing the right thing," said Snyder. "If you are not spending the money right or you are mismanaging funds, you should be closed down."

surprised wrote on Jul 28, 2008 9:58 AM:I am surprised at all of the comments about racial composition and socioeconomic status.
What are all of you do-gooders trying to say, that if a school has a mixed race demographic and students from poor families that they automatically have lower test scores? That I find truly offensive.
Also, from what I have read, TIP as a whole should not be under fire, the Administration should be.
On a closing note, oh yeah, a Democratic President will really save us at this point. We are far past that. Clinton was a real life preserver right!

To Surprised wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:04 PM:For some odd reason, children who are just learning a new language tend to score lower on standardized tests than kids who have mastered the language, grown up speaking it, attended preschool, been read to, etc. Still surprised? Also, economically disadvantaged children surprisingly, also tend to score lower (not automatically). Maybe it's that their parents are working 3 jobs and can't afford tutors, music lessons and other enrichments, and sometimes can even send them to school on a full stomach like their wealthier counterparts.

Also some people seemed to actually enjoy the 8 Clinton years! Silly them, what's so great about peace, prosperity, healthy economy, booming stock market, budget surplus, and historic job growth! If only they knew what fun awaited them with Bush's 8 years of war, inflation, stock market crashes, unemployment and record a budget deficit!

alejandro wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:03 PM:Surely if charter schools do not exist many so many "good administrators" will suffer because parents some parents will see them with love eyes and some others will only see an approve what they are doing you know it takes many armies and many years to take a charter school down and you know why? Because charters are a solution of the problems of some parents even if they "miss manage" who cares is their money certainly not my money because you see they exclusive in free to do whatever they want as long as they serve to some children and some packets who cares. Just watch Guajome Park Academy and the new director and the adios Penny Harrison.

Lora wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:24 PM:As an employee that has worked for a very successful charter school (Escondido Charter High School) and a school with multiple problems (financial, compliance, moral, ethics), I've seen both the "good" and the "bad" that the "charter world" has to offer. I agree with Coach completely - "charter schools need to be doing the right thing," said Snyder. "If you are not spending the money right or you are mismanaging funds, you should be closed down." I would further like to add - if you are not in compliance, you should be closed down. Everything that Escondido Charter does is "transparent" and there is nothing to hide. I can't say the same thing of the school where I'm currently employed.

where is the TRANSPARENCY wrote on Jul 28, 2008 9:01 PM:This is my point Lora if charter schools are so transparent why is it that the North County Times refuses to post my question to your charter school?

What do you think the North County Times has to hide?

Do members of the North County Times belong to your exclusive church and your exclusive charter?

You and I know the answer to that.

Lora wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:49 AM:To "where is the TRANSPARENCY" - Good point about North County Times. One or two of my comments have not been posted AND where is the July 16/19 article about Eagles Peak....it seems to be missing....hmmm...

Hi Lora wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:25 AM:Love to see comments from you, and you are spot on!
As one of your former co-workers, I just want you to remember that you're fabulous! And every day you go to work and fight the good fight, you set a shining example for every person in that building.

Rock on!

where is the TRANSPARENCY wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:59 AM:When the North County Times refuses to post articles in rebuttal to some comments like that of -to surprised- it allows the readers to believe these type of comments are true!
The reality of more like the North County Times controls and censure comments that state FACTS and dispute inaccuracies!!!

Why because some in the North county Times belong to the sects that control propaganda. I am sure they wouldn't want the truth to get out.

Pete wrote on Jul 29, 2008 12:46 PM:where is the TRANSPARENCY- you rock too!!!

To Lora wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:52 PM:I too have wondered where the mid July articles about Eagles Peak have disappeared to. Im not surprised. Eagles Peak (and River Springs) are all about cover up. [Editor's note: If you need any help finding archived articles, please contact online@nctimes.com. Thanks!]

WWJD wrote on Jul 29, 2008 5:51 PM:Hey how many special education students do you have?

How about Hispanic?

WWJD????

If you want the Eagles Peak article go to the Vista section. They did not disappear.

sick of traditional public schools wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:20 PM:One of the major elements of charter schools closing is the tight knit relationship between the city councils and the public school districts. Together they block the charter schools to prosper in every way possible. I like the comment about school being a "business". It is true, education in California is not worth a penny stock.

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