Magnet's transfer students bring $300,000 to Pleasant Valley

With great interest, I watched and listened to the school board discuss the issue of school closure last week. While the discussion was poignant and thoughtful, I must address a comment made by Mr. Speakman. As the board contemplated which schools to consider for closure and why, Mr. Speakman opened conversation about Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School. I agree that every school needs to be considered, but I disagree with some of his reasons.

SRTMS educates students from Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, as well as the Santa Rosa Valley. During the discussion, Jan Maez pointed out the $300,000 annual revenue that these Inter District Transfer students bring to the district. Mr. Speakman stated that he feels that the board should focus on the needs of the students living in Camarillo rather than those outside the district.

I became a teacher because I wanted to help children. All children. Not just children within a certain boundary or of a certain background, but all children. At our campus, and in campuses across the city, we welcome students from throughout the county. These students are part of our community. Not only does the school embrace them, the families embrace the school. They participate in activities with students from other Pleasant Valley schools. One need spend only a few moments on the SRTMS campus to understand the family atmosphere we cherish. This comment by MrSpeakman goes against the very heart of teaching: All children matter. By suggesting that the needs of these IDT students should be considered only after the needs of the residents of Camarillo, he appears to be sending a clear message that the families at Santa Rosa are not part of the Camarillo community. I find this attitude personally and professionally offensive.

I support the need to close schools in order for our district to be financially healthy. If moving Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School to the Rancho Rosal site is what is best for the district, I would support that decision. I urge the school board, however, to strongly consider all components of the SRTMS program, including the revenue generated from IDT students and how unlikely these families are to stay in the district if their school is moved to the other side of Camarillo. Lara Filgas Newbury Park Santa Rosa teacher