Says charter school is a must

In my opinion, it is imperative that PVSD and its board approve the CAPE charter for the following three reasons.

One, Rancho Rosal is not an adequate replacement for the open school program offered by CAPE. The district is labeling the new Rancho Rosal an "open" magnet, but it's just a name. It's ultimately a ploy to use the displaced former Los Senderos students to fill a struggling new campus resulting from a failing private development deal with Village at the Park, or should we say, big ugly empty lot next to the freeway. It is definitely not because there's any real desire to foster an open school program in Camarillo. It's politics and money before education with this district and board, once again.

Two, Dr. Moffett states in the press that it's teachers who teach, not buildings. If he is legitimately concerned for open school programs, why not transition the Los Senderos Open School Program with the same care given the transition of Los Primeros, where the program and staff is remaining almost entirely intact and given a new home, specifically, a campus developed and advanced for K to 8 status by the Los Senderos staff and administrators. No, instead Los Senderos program and staff are shut down, moved out, dismantled and fundamentally abolished. Actions speak louder, far, far louder than words, Dr. Moffett.

Three, establishing additional charter schools in Camarillo regardless of philosophy or program increased accountability of the spending of public education funds. Funds bypass the district, which stays in business regardless of fiscal performance, even when forced to close multiple schools and programs. Charter schools are shut down by the state if they are not fiscally accountable and solvent. PVSD has been publicly accused of mismanagement of education funds to instead pay development bond interest. PVSD has not publicly denied the accusation. Silence is not an answer. Tom Wood Camarillo