Charter school: School district responds - The Park Record

"I don't believe the teachers are unionized either," Kirchenheiter said." And this is a bad thing? Last time I checked PROFESSIONALS didn't have unions....hmmmm...

Of course PCSD doesn't want competition in their own back yard. It'll be a major embarrassment when their own teachers line up to get a chance at the new school in town. Who wouldn't when beloved PCSD teachers get fired for no real reason!

"They'll tout it as a free private-school education," Kirchenheiter said.
So Ms. Kirchenheiter, a member of the Board, is suggesting that private schools provide superior education. Interesting. And parents who want their children to attend a charter school must agree to provide meals and transportation? They must feel that the education their children will receive there is worth the additional effort and cost. So what I'm not clear on is why this would be a BAD thing?

Sharing money and losing power over others is never a comfortable feeling. Its only natural that the school district is feeling threatened.

The facts need to be clear: Charter schools only take a maximum of 5% of their funding from the local tax base. Since WSD draws students from both Summit and Salt Lake counties, the amount from local Park City taxes is even less. This is a small price to pay for an exellent education option for our children and ultimately smaller class sizes in the existing elementary schools, which are filled to capacity and beyond in some cases. PCSD should be clear on their figures and not spread fear.

Charter Schools have gained traction in Utah and much of the west for a good reason. These schools are required to meet all Utah Education standards and testing while offering a choice in a variety of academics. One example is Canyon Rim Elementary, attended by my nephew. His 2nd grade cirriculum is very well taught and challenging. I am much impressed with the education he is receiving in his charter school.

Here are some questions for anyone to ask before sending their children 1. Are their teachers licensed or do they hold emergency permits to teach while working toward licensure? 2. Are they going to provide special education services to students with disabilities? 3. If they are, are the people licenced speech, occupational therapy, Special ed and PT providers? 4. Are they going to make CRT testing data available to parents for inspection. I don't have a problem with charter schools, what I have a problem with (from personal experience as a former teacher at a charter school and parent of a student in park city) are charter schools drawing kids resources from a general pool and not accepting or providing for all students to gain educational advantage. You should know who will be teacing your kids, and all too often, these schools get inexperienced provisionally licsenced people who use charters as a stepping stone to get into districts w/ full retirements and better benefits while the school itself promises the world, yet delivers a sub-par education, especially its first years in operation. School isn't just supposed to feel good. Look at the results objectively

As a representative of your district, Kirchenheiter (and the others that believe this way) are an utter embarrassment because of their lack of knowledge of charter schools. Lisa, why don’t you take the time to visit the State Office of Education to learn more before you show further how incompetent you are to us all. You liberal hypocrites talk about the importance of “choice�, but when people don’t choose what you advocate, you take stances like you did in the paper. You are obviously not an educator, or you’d be educated before you open your huge mouth. You are just a petty, pathetic dictator. Quit being partisan and work with these people! You say you “work for the children,� so stop being a hypocrite and do it. You and your cronies must realize that parents want their input taken seriously in the process of educating their children. The funny thing is that this charter school is more a referendum on how many parents feel about the bad job the PCSD has done than anything else…

As a representative of your district, Kirchenheiter (and the others that believe this way) are an utter embarrassment because of their lack of knowledge of charter schools. Lisa, why don’t you take the time to visit the State Office of Education to learn more before you show further how incompetent you are to us all. You liberal hypocrites talk about the importance of “choice”, but when people don’t choose what you advocate, you take stances like you did in the paper. You are obviously not an educator, or you’d be educated before you open your tremendous mouth. You are just a petty, pathetic dictator. Quit being partisan and work with these people! You say you “work for the children,” so stop being a hypocrite and do it. You and your cronies must realize that parents want their input taken seriously in the process of educating their children. The funny thing is that this charter school is more a referendum on how many parents feel about the bad job the PCSD has done than anything else…

pcsd is considered best in the state. WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE SMOKING???????!!! are you upset because your children get treated like children? or is it that little bobby or sammie isn't coddled. what on earth is wrong with you.

I am happy to respond to the concerns expressed by the school district official above.

1. The Charter School is redundant - the charter school will offer something very unique and different than is currently being offered by the Park City schools. It is not better, just different. It could be a better fit for some children, and it could not. Each child is unique, and is more likely to find the best educational option when they have multiple choices. Please learn more about the charter school here: http://www.wsdpc.org/

2. Not a good use of taxpayers money - charter schools currently use about 20% less taxpayer money than district schools in Utah on average. Charter schools are saving the taxpayers a lot of money.

3. School Board has no say over how the charter school spend their money - this is true. But is it bad? The Utah State Office of Education oversees the charter school directly, and monitors their finances and test scores. There is a nonprofit board that will oversee the school, and parents of students at the school will be actively involved in the management of the school. Furthermore, no student will be required to attend the school - they can leave if they are unhappy with the charter school.

4. "Our citizens are being taxed but there is no local representation for them." Park City currently has a State Senator, State Representative and a member of the State Board of Education who are all elected, and are in control of the legislation and regulation of charter schools.

But there is no need to argue. Come learn about the charter school, see if it works for your child, and decide for yourself.

Weilenmann - Pursue the dream. We look forward to your success.