We submit this letter in support of making Point Dume Marine Science School a charter school, and to correct some misconceptions that were set forth in a letter to the editor published on Nov. 11.
First, Point Dume’s charter movement began in response to Superintendent Tim Cuneo’s clear statement at the State of Our Schools meeting in November 2009 that the Point Dume Elementary School might face closure. Those who have lived in Malibu for some time will recognize that this was not an idle threat as this school has been closed before. At that time, there were circumstances at play similar to today-declining enrollment and budget cuts. In last week’s letter, it states that the three elementary schools in Malibu form a “backbone of local public education.” What kind of a backbone do you have when one-third of the backbone is removed?
The concerns of “devastating consequences” of having a 6th grade option for students to remain on the elementary school campus do not supersede the far more devastating consequences of closing an entire school. Please remember that if jobs are lost at the Malibu Middle School (which is not at all a certainty), teachers will also be needed to teach 6th grade at PDMSC. There will be no net loss in teachers as a result of the charter.
We must consider what is best for the children. Speaker after speaker at the public hearing last week made it clear that when looked at from the point of view of what is in the best interest of children, 6th grade belongs on the elementary school campus.
Last year, more than 20 students left Point Dume and the district entirely, rather than moving on to Malibu High School for 6th grade. If this type of exodus happens every year, which is reasonable to expect, the charter is poised to aid the district in retaining students that it would otherwise lose for the remaining six years of in-district public education and the resultant funding. The charter is only projecting 44 sixth graders next year; although impact is not legal to consider, it is important to note that keeping students in the public school system by offering a choice (in this case 6th grade) will actually positively impact the district over time. The goal of the charter school is to work with Malibu Middle School in creating an effective transition program into 7th grade, ensuring that many families won’t view private school as their only option.
In response to concerns regarding recruitment at other Malibu schools, the lead petitioners have made it clear from day one that they will not recruit students from Webster or Juan Cabrillo elementary schools. The outreach plans are detailed extensively on pages 74-76 of the charter petition (www.smmusd.org/brd1011/PDMSSCharterPetition.pdf), and include reaching out to neighboring communities in the hope of increasing diversity at Point Dume.
Further, the charter law states that fostering competition among schools is one of the purposes of the charter law (Ed Code 47601). The idea is that each school will have to strive to improve itself, urged on by a charter school nearby.
If the Board of Education mistakenly denies the charter under false concerns, the charter will be submitted to the County Board Of Education and, if necessary, the State Board of Education for approval, where, based on charter law, we are confident it will be approved. We hope the district will see this as an opportunity to work closely with a community for the success of all students district-wide. If the district is not the authorizer, it loses its connection to the new charter school, the funding that comes with its approval and an opportunity to help guide the new charter in the years ahead.
The charter for PDMSC assures it will remain part of the backbone of this community. It cuts off the chance of closure and allows the local community to have significant input on its direction. We ask the community to reject these false arguments designed to scare us and pit us against each other. Fear of possible consequences is no reason not to implement a new, imaginative approach to education. Fear is paralyzing, not innovative. More than ever we need to unite as a community in support of this petition.
Rick Ross
Samantha Hughes
Jeff Mazzarella
Lisa Mazzarella
Candace Bond McKeever
Steve McKeever
Peter McNulty
Nanette McNulty