Letters supporting Los Senderos

When we moved here almost seven years ago, we researched what city shall we raise our two children. Our criteria were simple, and like most families raising kids, education was critical in our decision.

We ended up in Camarillo for that very reason. After several years in our neighborhood school, we chose to move our children to Los Senderos Open School. This hidden and sometimes "misunderstood" school- - with its exceptional learning environment, wellequipped campus, dedicated faculty and administration, and committed parents- - is a definitive asset to the Pleasant Valley School District.

Therefore, I pose the question- why is Los Senderos Open School in not just one of the proposed scenarios for school closures but nearly six of them?

Los Senderos Open School has received consistently top test scores, has accepted and integrated students during the last closures almost five years ago and has maintained if not increased its student population. It has some of the most innovative and unique educational programs, that aren't just fluff but proven.

Additionally, Los Senderos Open School was granted an expansion to include a middle school component just two years ago. If a middle school is going to close in the district, shouldn't alternative campuses such as Los Senderos Open School remain open to allow parents a choice?

It's a difficult decision for the leaders to make due to the district's longterm financial and organizational ailments. But I hope that regardless of the past, they use logic and reason for the sake of our children in our district. Gina Gutierrez Camarillo