Unification not a good idea

I am amazed that unification is still a topic with the Pleasant Valley School District. After the ongoing drama we have all witnessed over the past years, how can the citizens of Camarillo support this proposal? Do we really think unification will solve our problems?

When an individual or organization is given added responsibility, it usually occurs after exemplary performance and accomplishments. The individual or company has to prove him- or herself capable of handling additional work, especially added financial accountability. When has substandard performance been rewarded with a promotion or a raise?

But this is exactly what would take place if PVSD unifies. The state of our school district is not outstanding, and I have not witnessed prudent business decisions over the past several years. The expenditures to Valle Lindo School, only to have them close it months later. Poor decisions and rate of return on leased district property. A revolving door for top administrators. The closure of top-ranked schools and programs to save $1.5 million. Money needed for teacher salaries yet to be paid.

Sacramento is not responsible for this situation; it starts right here in PVSD. Many poor decisions or lack of decisions and long-range planning have put us here. How much money has been spent on the unification process that should have been allocated to our K-8 students and teachers? Why would anyone vote to increase funding and responsibilities in the midst of this ongoing chaos?

Camarillo deserves a school district and school board that are focused on academic excellence for our children.

While our district has seen a decrease in enrollment, most of the private schools have seen a surge in enrollment from Camarillo families. How narrow-minded could we be to blame our decline on the opening of the Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education? Without this educational alternative, how many more families would have left Camarillo? Los Primeros had empty seats for the first time in 30 years. Our families are choosing not to send their children to the PVSD neighborhood schools. These Camarillo families are willing to travel and pay thousands of dollars for quality education. They want the academic bar raised, not lowered.

How can the PVSD believe it is capable of undertaking the additional responsibility of high school? How can the citizens of Camarillo trust this decision?

The PVSD and school board should get their K-8 house in order before moving on to bigger and better ideas. It's common sense in the simplest terms. Citizens, we all need to pay close attention to this issue. It affects each of us in more ways than we can imagine. Dianne Glick Camarillo