Comments

Hey my school wants land too. wrote on Jul 6, 2009 10:32 AM:

" The school Board could afford to buy this land by using their travel budget and other discretionary spending. That would show their sincerity. But it is easier to go to the trough pleading poverty again. "




wake up school board wrote on Jul 5, 2009 3:49 PM:

" Wake up School Board! The Mat Su deserves a school board that's more supportive to it's successful charter schools and alternative schools. The School Board doesn't seem to know how important these other public school options are to our community. We need a progressive School Board who is ontop of the latest and greatest in public schooling. I'm proud to live in the Mat Su and I'm proud of our public schools. I also realize the importance of Charter schools as options. Options are good and should always be promoted. Our School Board is out of touch. "




Purchasing the land is a smart move wrote on Jul 5, 2009 7:59 AM:

" This land will not only be utilized by Academy, it will be used for sports by many. Adding this may not be an option later. I had a student at Academy 6th thru 8th. My student was chosen thru the lottery process and I am not sure why people have such a problem with that. It is the only fair way to fill the open slots and the slots are limited. Keeping the school small is the key to that schools success along with much parent involvement and great staff. Please purchase that land. "




Small schools have better connection with students wrote on Jul 5, 2009 7:54 AM:

" This is one of the best things all these schools have going for them. Large schools have great opportunities, but they can't compete with the small school feel and never will. Some students need that. Valley Pathways runs on a very lean budget and does a wonderful job with our students that need a greater connection in order to succeed. Valley Pathways is like a bush school in the middle of Palmer. Only one portable has water and the hallways are outdoors but buildings don't make the school, it is the great staff. "




Budget review process wrote on Jul 4, 2009 7:28 PM:

" Valley Pathways has grown in the past eight years in portables. Lets look at priorities. School Budget is based on budget committee and public input based on need. This request of the borough has not been thru this process. It is being slid by the assembly like th eway of funding the 2 million dollar gym was slid thru the legislators. Lets look at all District school needs and priorities not just a favorite school Mr Colver. "




satisfiedcustomer wrote on Jul 4, 2009 9:16 AM:

" Mr. Colver and Mr. Cordero- I'm not sure if your support of the Academy land buy was more out of financial prudence or unbaised support of varied public school options. I'm speaking to the latter at this point. With those positive open minds that you have, please also take an opportunity to explore the great contributions being made by Valley Pathways and other alternative schools. They also are doing a wonderful job giving students of the Valley options they deserve. They too need your moral and financial support. Thank you!! "




publicschoolteacher wrote on Jul 4, 2009 8:57 AM:

" I say that more variety in public education, not less, is better for our students. I teach special education in a large elementary school in our district. We have very many boundary exempt and welcome all challenges. Our score are consistently high. Valley Pathways Rising Sun, and Academy Charter provide equally excellent educational experiences. I believe that the board needs to become more personally acquainted with the experiences provided in these alternative schools. I know first hand that the teachers are extremely dedicated and are investing much in the lives of their students. "




Laura wrote on Jul 3, 2009 9:55 AM:

" All this preaching from Charter parents about how actively involved they are in their kids education... newsflash, you can be just involved in a public school too but most of you never showed up because it's NOT required like a Charter school requires you to be. Do away with the lottery and hand picking students, then we'll see how great your scores look. Thanks to the school board for standing up to Charter Schools! "




Palmer Political Priorities wrote on Jul 3, 2009 8:45 AM:

" Academy is a good school. It has lead a charmed life. State funds providing 2 million in funds above what what any other school has gotten for a gym. Parents support this school everyday and their lobbying effort fuels this debate. They have their own funds available. They must manage those funds with school board approval. They operate in old portable classrooms next to a modern 2 million dollar gym.
Valley Pathways High School a few miles away operates in nothing but portables and bursting at the seams. Where's there new gym? Where's their clout?The Chosen Few? "




No way wrote on Jul 3, 2009 6:47 AM:

" We need a home school parent on the School Board? Uh, no. "




my tax money wrote on Jul 2, 2009 8:41 PM:

" we home school, and that saves your tax dollars. We sacrifice having extra stuff and a bigger house so that we can teach our kids a non liberal biased education. Again, this saves your tax dollars and mine so we can pay more assistant principals to do nothing in the school system.
The school board needs a home school parent on to help keep things in order.
It is my tax money too. "




No way to have accurate income statistics at Academy wrote on Jul 2, 2009 6:40 AM:

" There's no lunch program at Academy Charter, therefore the students do not usually fill out the reduced and free lunch forms. That is the only way that the district keeps track of income. So your income stats will be way off. No bussing and no lunch means parents have to step up. Any parent can do it, not all want to or feel the need. Charter Schools offer a program for the parents that are willing to step up to the plate. They could do that in any school but usually don't unfortunately. "




facts are facts wrote on Jul 1, 2009 4:10 PM:

" If the land next to Academy Charter School is now available (seller willing to sell it), then it only makes sense for Academy get it. It would be multi functional land which would serve as parking for the soccer fields as well. This is a smart use of money and seems like a no brainer. Sounds like we need more school board members like Jim Colver and Eric Cordero. Way to hold your ground, guys! "




a new charter for charters wrote on Jul 1, 2009 3:59 PM:

" Go to the state site.....in Academy Charter 2 students out of 151 are Economically Disadvantaged, 17 out of 153 are in Special Education, and 131 out of 153 are Caucasian. Compare this with a regular public school where the averages are more like 35+% Econ. Disadvantaged, 18% are in Special Education, and 20+% are minorities. You don't provide busing and lunch BY CHOICE. You could, but you CHOOSE not to. This effectively eliminates those families that are struggling with disabilites and poverty. Don't kid yourself or us. "




Cant we get along wrote on Jul 1, 2009 11:08 AM:

" My kids go to a charter school and they are just regular kids from the community. Yes, I have to drive them every day. I am also REQUIRED to help out at the school if I expect my kid to return the following year. THAT IS WHY our kids do well. Parents are WAY more involved with their kids education because we have to be. It's not because "we take choice children". It's a lottery to get in! Anyone can apply. Come and tour the school because it seems many have the wrong impression. Politicians remember- Involved parents vote! "




PS wrote on Jul 1, 2009 10:37 AM:

" Busing is a special privilege for some public school students. It is another service charter schools are not afforded. Since charter schools are not offered the lunch program that other schools enjoy, many families do not complete the application for free and reduced lunch--which is where our district gets its income information. Percentage wise, charter schools have a wide variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds. They also serve special needs students on a pretty much equal percentage with schools in our area. There is inadequate space to serve more students at Academy even "




Carters percentages reflect the parents wrote on Jul 1, 2009 7:56 AM:

" Parents of Charter School students statistically are more involved in their student's education. That is the whole reason Charter Schools were started. It takes more parent involvement and all parents and their students can be part of that. It takes a parent who is willing to do what it takes. They find ways to make it happen because education is important to them. Anyone can do it, not everyone puts in the effort to make it happen. If the statistics show differences, those stats are about parent involvement and a parents choice to make sacrifices. "




Charter Schools and Alternative Schools Important wrote on Jul 1, 2009 7:50 AM:

" The best thing about both is that they are kept small. Everyone knows that the larger schools have less interaction and this is detrimental to students who need a greater connection. My children needed smaller schools. One was the Alternative and one was the Charter. Parents out there need to know what their students need. If it is a small school, find a way to get them in. Transportation was tough but we found ways to make it happen. It is 99% parent choice and investment. An involved parent is too rare "




Amen to a new charter wrote on Jul 1, 2009 7:18 AM:

" The charter schools don't have the kids in there that will bring down their scores, which makes them seem like they are doing so great.
NORMAL schools are required to educate the community children, special education included.
I have far more pride in a school that educates kids from the full community rather than the hand picked ideal students.
See you at the polls is right. "




a new charter for charters wrote on Jun 30, 2009 7:47 PM:

" Hey, here's an idea...how about the charter schools having the same percentage of children of poverty and special education children as other public schools? Let's see your scores after than. Your school doesn't provide busing, eliminating many children who fall into those categories. You take a few "choice" children of these groups--look up the statistics on the state site. Take ALL who apply, and don't discriminate to form your private school. See ya at the polls. "




Friend of Charter Schools wrote on Jun 30, 2009 2:05 PM:

" It's been twelve years since Academy and Midnight Sun opened their schools! Both schools have long successful track records that clearly demonstrate that their curriculum, scheduling, staffing, and philosophy work! Academy and Midnight Sun are beginning the third year of their most recent 10 year contracts. It is time for these successful PUBLIC schools to receive permanent facilities that they do not have to lease! What do we need to do to make this happen? Let's hope our elected officials work to find a solution now! "




Double Boo to school board wrote on Jun 30, 2009 1:03 PM:

" District Charter Schools and Alternative schools provide important, necessary educational options for families in the Mat-Su! We love our strong, successful programs! Let's unite and vote as a block, electing Board members, Assembly members, State Representatives and Senators who have our best interests at heart and are willing to take action in support of our programs too! Way to go Contessa! Thanks for listing those Board members who behaved irresponsibly, forgetting that they serve ALL students! Please share the list with charter school families across our district! WE VOTE! "




Bryon wrote on Jun 30, 2009 10:08 AM:

" Albert Shanker, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), had a penchant for telling it like it is. Back in 1985, he said "When school children start paying union dues, that's when I'll start representing the interests of school children." Legislators, the media, and the public may be confused on this issue, but the teachers' unions are not. "




Bryon wrote on Jun 30, 2009 10:07 AM:

" Our public school system has problems that money can't cure. This will not be discussed. Despite its support by a mandatory attendance and taxpayer financial support that is also mandatory (averaging $10,418 per year per student), our public schools now produce high school graduates with less than an 8th grade-level education. Nationwide, the costs for this academic and social failure are $536 billion per year. The principal reason for this situation is that educating our children is no longer the primary purpose of the public schools. Today their purpose is to employ six million people. "




easy call wrote on Jun 29, 2009 9:04 PM:

" My kids go to Midnight Sun Charter school. I support the Mat-Su Valley Charter schools and I'd like to see the school board be more supportive to it's public charter schools, as well. Successful schools should be supported. What do we have to do to get our Mat Su school board to support successful schools? The multi-use of land is smart. Keep up the fight Academy! "




bob wrote on Jun 29, 2009 5:59 PM:

" the Board should support successful schools and this one has been very sucessfull. Whatever politics are at play, this is the bottom line. Support success and you support kids. "




There is more to it... wrote on Jun 29, 2009 3:32 PM:

" What about the lack of parking at the soccer/baseball field? The land would be used for more than just Academy. Drive by the field any time after 5-8 and see for yourself the parking issue. The land would add more to the community by giving more parking space to the fields. Academy has proven that the school is working and with 12 years of positive test scores it should be allowed to have a school. All schools need more funding please make sure you VOTE for the correct people to help make that happen. "




boo to the School Board wrote on Jun 29, 2009 3:27 PM:

" Jim Colver and Eric Cordero clearly demonstrated forward thinking on the Mat Su School Board. Getting that land next to Academy Charter School is smart for the Mat-Su School district. It is a public school that will eventually need a permanent facility. The rest of the School Board displayed a lack of professionalism. Thank you Jim and Eric! The Mat-Su Valley is home to not only some of the most successful public schools but the most successful charter schools in the state. It's time the rest of the Mat-Su School Board start supporting their charter schools. "




Charter School Parent wrote on Jun 29, 2009 1:25 PM:

" I was very disappointed to read some of the negative comments regarding Charter Schools. It is a great PUBLIC SCHOOL option. Both of my children attended Academy Charter School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. They recieved an excellent education and a very strong base for their highschool years. I don't understand why the school board wouldn't support such an excellent option. We are just fighting for our kids like every parent does, I think we are just as deserving of public facilities, just because we are smaller and successful doesn't mean we should be punished. "




Please study Growth Before Opening Charters. wrote on Jun 29, 2009 10:17 AM:

" Contessa: No other schools in portables. Please drive by Wasilla High School and have a look. I went to a Catholic School and have visited schools throughout the third world. A good education is not attained by the building it is housed in. I'm sorry that the teacher took no notice. I do commend you in finding alternatives because this proves to me that you are taking responsibility for your childs education. I must support the school board however. I have only great respect for the educational system in the Valley. "




Charter School Fan wrote on Jun 29, 2009 9:47 AM:

" My kids go to Academy. If you have the impression that we, the parents of children who go there, "hold ourselves aside like a private school", then you should come and tour our school. I think you're seeing our proud support of our school, just as I'm sure you're proud of your school. Shouldn't the School Board put their personal feelings aside when making decisions? "




Public school parent wrote on Jun 29, 2009 9:30 AM:

" Our state chose to create a charter school law to allow charter schools in our state. They are a great way to give all public school families a choice in education. We are fortunate to have such a quality charter school as an option. Charter schools DO
NOT receive the local portion of the tax base. They only receive a portion of the state allotment, minus a fee taken by the district. Congrats to Academy for continuing to try to do what is best for their students by acquiring a permanent facility. "




oh its true wrote on Jun 29, 2009 8:47 AM:

" Sour grapes do make for a sour whine! "




Pro-kids wrote on Jun 29, 2009 8:27 AM:

" Academy Charter School's approach to learning is unique and just what many kids need. Our society and our school board needs to realize that not every child learns the same way and diversity is needed. Diversity is not special interest and it is not teaching discrimination. Academy teaches kids so they learn and they enjoy learning. They have high expectations, that happen to be much higher than traditional schools. They do not teach to the test and it is a confirmation of their educational experiment that their test scores are advanced. "




To Contessa wrote on Jun 29, 2009 7:23 AM:

" "Our taxpaying dollars that go to the school district aren’t used toward Academy." WRONG.
Charter school principals are just given a lump sum of dollars by the district to run their schools rather than deal w/ the budgeting system like the other schools. Yes, Academy is a public school. However, the Academy parents like to hold themselves and their children aside as if they are in a private school. The school boards attitude toward the resolution is a reflection of how the community feels toward Academy. Stand in line, there are other needs. "




in Palmer wrote on Jun 28, 2009 11:51 PM:

" Obviously some respondants are ignorant as to the definition of a charter school. Charter schools ARE public schools and are held to a high level of scrutiny. There's no special interest here...it's a public school! Academy needs a permanent facility. The temporary portables are over 12 years old. No other public school's children are forced to attend classes in shabby portables. This school has proven itself year after year and continues to have a wait list with hundreds of children who can't attend because of a lack of space. What are you afraid of, School Board? "




Contessa wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:33 PM:

" To Dumb em down: Actually, they don't teach discrimination. And Academy isn't a special school. It is another schooling option. Without it and other charter schools, the public school classrooms would be all that larger in size. It isn't special interest waste at all. "




Contessa wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:30 PM:

" To hmmmm: You had to be there at the meeting to hear the distaste by the school board members. It isn't a hateful letter- just my response to how they came across. They could have voted down the resolution with much less anger in their voices. "




Contessa wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:28 PM:

" To First Impressions: We had approached his teacher when he was earning the grades with little effort. The challenge, was that he wasn't able to add any other components to reading and math other than what was offered. There was no flexibility at all with "teaching to the test" method. At least he has had more flexibility with his current schooling. I grew up attending the public school system, and for the most part we were quite happy. Believe me, you had to be there at the school board meeting. I was appalled at the level of their intolerance. "




First Impressions of Your School wrote on Jun 28, 2009 10:17 AM:

" I witnesses the most unsportsmanlike behaivor that I have ever seen anywhere by your school. The male coach promoted this type of cheap shot mentality. One game alone he and his team had approximately six technicals. Unfortunately this is the impression that I had. On to education. My children have attended public schools in the area. The education is there. Did you approach the teacher when your child was getting A's with no effort? My kids have four hours of homework a night and the education is great. "




in wasilla wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:52 AM:

" You cannot please everyone. "




Dumb em down wrote on Jun 28, 2009 9:23 AM:

" More special interest waste, sorry but true and it teaches discrimination at its finest, go away special school! "




hmmmm wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:41 PM:

" This letter seems much more hateful than the board's actions. "