Let the Spin Begin
Check out the Sacramento Bee article about the VAPAC situation:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/breakingnews/story/14225506p-15049812c.html
Our only comments on this story are:
(1) For more information on the serious issues regarding student safety and security, quality of education, and financial matters, please read our previous postings and comments.
(2) The creation myth regarding the DLC's and the labor needed to build the school does a disservice to Larry Fox, Efren Flores, Gloria Beck, Ken Adams and the dedicated service of dozens of other parents, students, faculty, and staff who actually did raise a hammer, lift a paintbrush, devote their time, and open their wallets without receiving any compensation or being secure in the knowledge that they could manipulate astronomical pay raises for themselves from their self-appointed board of directors.
Interesting story. Clearly the Bee got spun with the DLC's acting like innocent victims only concerned for the welafare of their students. Where was that "concern" when dealing with special ed. students; where was that "concern" when they pushed several excellent teachers out the door for daring to disagree with the DLC; where was that "concern" when dealing with the Ambrose situation; where was that "concern" when publically referring to students as "little freaks," berating a 16 year old girl and bringing her to tears... Suffice it to say many feel that the school would be better served by a competent administration who can handle dissent and constructive criticism instead of the personality cult with whom the the DLC's have surrounded themselves.
This site contacted the SCUSD School Board, and the only response that we received was from Board Member Houseman who replied:
"The bottom line is we want the school open and well managed. It is in the hands of the hearing judge now."
Because of litigation, the board, of course cannot comment on the status of district personnel on site. However, we are relieved to see that the district obviously has the concerns of the students in mind with their desire to see the school remain open and managed well. Unfortunately, we at this site feel that we have consistently raised credible concerns over the governance and structure of this school. Had the board acted more swiftly, perhaps this standoff could have been avoided. We do find it interesting, nevertheless, that it is the Son and not the Mother who refuses to "go gently into that good night." Transitioning her out of power was evidently seamless, and the school and its board made few waves in complying with that directive from the district. Now that their stranglehold on the school has all but vanished, we appear to be watching the last desperate acts of dethroned despots, grasping furiously to maintain control over their crumbling kingdom.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/breakingnews/story/14225506p-15049812c.html
Our only comments on this story are:
(1) For more information on the serious issues regarding student safety and security, quality of education, and financial matters, please read our previous postings and comments.
(2) The creation myth regarding the DLC's and the labor needed to build the school does a disservice to Larry Fox, Efren Flores, Gloria Beck, Ken Adams and the dedicated service of dozens of other parents, students, faculty, and staff who actually did raise a hammer, lift a paintbrush, devote their time, and open their wallets without receiving any compensation or being secure in the knowledge that they could manipulate astronomical pay raises for themselves from their self-appointed board of directors.
Interesting story. Clearly the Bee got spun with the DLC's acting like innocent victims only concerned for the welafare of their students. Where was that "concern" when dealing with special ed. students; where was that "concern" when they pushed several excellent teachers out the door for daring to disagree with the DLC; where was that "concern" when dealing with the Ambrose situation; where was that "concern" when publically referring to students as "little freaks," berating a 16 year old girl and bringing her to tears... Suffice it to say many feel that the school would be better served by a competent administration who can handle dissent and constructive criticism instead of the personality cult with whom the the DLC's have surrounded themselves.
This site contacted the SCUSD School Board, and the only response that we received was from Board Member Houseman who replied:
"The bottom line is we want the school open and well managed. It is in the hands of the hearing judge now."
Because of litigation, the board, of course cannot comment on the status of district personnel on site. However, we are relieved to see that the district obviously has the concerns of the students in mind with their desire to see the school remain open and managed well. Unfortunately, we at this site feel that we have consistently raised credible concerns over the governance and structure of this school. Had the board acted more swiftly, perhaps this standoff could have been avoided. We do find it interesting, nevertheless, that it is the Son and not the Mother who refuses to "go gently into that good night." Transitioning her out of power was evidently seamless, and the school and its board made few waves in complying with that directive from the district. Now that their stranglehold on the school has all but vanished, we appear to be watching the last desperate acts of dethroned despots, grasping furiously to maintain control over their crumbling kingdom.
posted by All of Us at
9:29 PM
14 Comments:
Let's not forget the "concern" that they forgot to share for English Language Learners by providing them with zero support in violation of the promise made in the charter.
Then there is their forgotten "concern" for every student who needs Math and English remidiation.
Oh, and, then they did not seem too concerned about students missing their first opportunity to take the California High School Exit Exam this year. Oops. Hope no one will end needing that one extra shot at it before they graduate.
Need I mention the lack of a library, computer lab, free and reduced lunch program, or counselor?
I want to know who is responsible for the safety of students if there is an emergency at VAPAC. According to the Bee, the oversight entity, Sac City Unified, is not allowed on the campus. If they cannot come on the campus how can they do their job? Would this be permitted in any other public school? I'm sure that Phoebe Hearst Elementary couldn't prevent SCUSD from coming on its premises. Maybe charter schools aren't really public schools after all.
I'm not comfortable with the idea that the identified overseer of VAPAC cannot act. Who is in charge of oversight now? The County Office of Education? The California Department of Education? The court? Who do I hold responsible if something happens to my child? Will the VAPAC Board of Directors be liable?
Good point Heidi. It's seem ridiculous that the charter-granting entity would be denied access to the school for evaluation or auditing purposes. Additionally, since the DLC's are SCUSD employees, their actions violate the terms of their employment.
What we're clearly seeing, and what some of "those teachers" alluded to before they left, is the St. HOPE-ification of VAPAC, wherein the few try to assume control over the whole school for the "benefit" of the many. But I think the larger question that you point out is to what extent are these entities "public"? And if they are capable of denying access to students, through an application process, or district personnel, through restraining order, what segment of the public are they servung and to whom are they accountable?
Let us not forget that West Campus is a public school that denies access to students through an application process.
Speaking of safety, I was at VAPAC this last week and noticed that a handicap student had to go into the office to get help up to the second floor. She had to wait until someone was available to help her which made her late for her class. The reason for this? The elevator isn't working. I have never seen the elevator working, does anyone know if it ever has worked for the students?
The elevator has often worked for me, although I was trapped in there once. Legally, of course, it should always be operational... something about that Americans with Disabilities Act.
I am a reporter with the Sacramento Bee, looking for parents, teachers and others in the VAPAC community who would like to speak with me about what's going on at the school. If you would like to talk, please call me at 321-1083. Thank you,
Laurel Rosenhall
Why won't they let joanna and allan young co principal together.
JoAnna does not play well with others. She has no skills or knowledge to be an administrator.
Having De La Questa and Young working together would be problematic at best. In short-he knows what he is doing. He is a proven educator and leader. De La Questa and her son have run a choice oportunity into the ground.
Bring in Young and show De La Questa(s) the door.
PS "Those teachers" meaning Melchor and Siegert? I hope they come back! They worked together before at the old Sac High.
yeah but didn't allen young "sell out" to St. Hope....it would be like Jesus letting Judas have a second chance or Caesar letting Brutus betray him had he survived? You know all the saying..."Screw me once...Shame on you...Screw me twice...shame on me......... I think they should bring in an administrator has a background in the arts but has no prior involvement with the school...Folks..the best way to heal is to leave the past behind.........No Young......No DLC...
How about just No VAPAC. The real VAPAC is dead. The current vapac has no relationship to the original.
VAPAC has potential, it just needs to be run by more competant administrators. Loosing vapac would be very sad.
VAPAC was started by Mary Perez and Thea Stidum who were at Sac High in the 80's and 90's. The program will continue in some form. I believe that it will return to Sac when St. HOPE's charter is over and we will dream it all over again. Sac High and VAPAC are a winning combo. The combo of the De La Cuestas are a losing team in any setting.
Mr. Young has already signrd on the dotted line-he's getting paid to stay home. It is interesting that he will earn a few thousand less the Arbital who has no admin credential and lacks the experience that Mr. Young has.
Christine Crooks
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