The District Weekly - Latest Comments in READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

Kelson — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:27:03 -0000

Charter Schools my ass. The only thing that distinguishes Charter Schools from regular ones are motivated parents. And those are the only people who are truly accountable. School systems have had their authorities degraded over many many years by bitchy parents who complain when their children got bad grades. And over the years the systems caved to the stupid parents who only wanted to continue to reduce the authorities of teachers. Well they now have what they wanted: a system that passes students onto greater and greater apparent achievements so parents can be proud, all while the students haven't been taught a damn thing.

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

LB Mom — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:14:13 -0000

the answer is simple: CHARTER SCHOOLS

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

Dave Wielenga — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:26:55 -0000

It ain't so---and I just cashed my paycheck!

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

Concerned — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:19:14 -0000

Is it true you guys are going out of business? Say it aint so!

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

What's_in_a _name? — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:01:19 -0000

John,
It's my pleasure to respond to your article. I have read many of your comments and consider you to be well-informed and a good thinker, even though at times I have disagreed with your sentiments.

I know that overall, nationwide the population is increasing, however the most current data available (the 2000 census) demonstrates my point.
for reference, please review http://www.hellolongbeach.c...
An excerpt from their data shows the following:
Under 5 years 38,587 8.4% of population
5 to 9 years 41,349 9.0%
10 to 14 years 35,641 7.7%
15 to 19 years 33,542 7.3%

As you can see, there was a "baby boom" in the early/mid-nineties of people in the Long Beach population, with the largest group of children in Long Beach falling in the 5-9 age group in 2000. The under five group is nearly 3,000 less potential students. It will be interesting to see in 2010 how this pans out, perhaps you are correct and the number does raise dramatically. There was an article about this very topic recently-- I am looking for it for you.

The schools do need to contract the facilities accordingly.

I personally have two children in LB schools and am very happy with their schooling--but you should know that I have figured out that the best way to get good service for my children in LBUSD is to transfer them to a school of my choosing. It is a simple matter to do the paperwork. Both of my kids score high and go to the highest scoring schools--Parents need to use the system this way. It sends a loud and clear message to the district as to which schools are doing a poor job and should be downsized.

Still, I agree with you on many points. I know quite a few people who use private schools over public. There can be no doubt that affects student enrollment.
Also, it is terribly frustrating to have to do fund raising to pay for basic programs that the district should pay for. It does seem at times the district's priorities are messed up.

I'd rather see my kids get the best teachers in a temporary classroom (heck one local private school is just this!) than spend a bunch of money on fancy buildings with mediocre teachers, or on new corporate digs for admin.

In fact I've noticed that several private schools seriously lack decent facilities, and yet in many cases, their students manage to score higher on tests. What is up with that?

Re: READER COMMENT: WE’RE LEAKING KIDS!

What's_in_a _name? — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:34:11 -0000

One major reason for declining enrollment is that there are actually less children of elementary school age. For whatever reason there was a "mini-boom" of births in the mid nineties. This group is now headed for junior high and high school. There are actually less kindergarten age kids then there were ten or even five years ago.
This is one reason why the LBCC bond passed. The college needs to be ready for this mini-boom to move through their facilities.