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Educational turf war down south
MyFavoriteTeacher what you say is not necessarily true. My daughter was one of those 'failing discipline problem students'. My wife and I are one of those '"lousy parents who raised them". Our daughter had serious problems in middle and high school and the administration at the 3 schools she was run from had no problem supporting the teachers in each instance. Her teachers were honest, respectful and respected teachers. My wife and I understood why she was kicked out of the schools. Us "lousy parents" ultimately found the right fit for her learning style, and our "failing discipline problem student" flourished in school and graduated a semester early from high school. You paint a broad brush about these kids and their parents. I hope you are not a teacher because with your attitude you are likely part of the reason kids are problematic in your class and why your administration does not support you.— March 2, 2016 6:38 p.m.
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Susan I recall a few years back looking at enrollment trends when Brand was at Sweetwater. There was a definite decline at Sweetwater which was attributed to CVESD starting their K8 chaters. That was when Brand opened boundaries and offered IPads to all incoming 7th graders. I believe that resulted in a slight increase in enrollment at SUHSD. Not sure how the trends look since then. I do know that Eastlake continues to have over 3000 students every year!!— February 20, 2016 10:36 a.m.
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Anniej ya know l love u too, but the demographics of schools have changed dramatically since the days you and I attended schools. How schools are run has changed. The demands on teachers to do more than teach has changed. The demand on schools to feed, clothe and babysit students has changed. Many of today's parents don't want to be involved, are afraid or don't know how. Many school administrators brow beat and intimidate parents - you and I know that all too well. I have been involved in numerous schools on the West side as a volunteer where parents are truly afraid and intimidated, and don't know how to be involved. Much of that is due to demographics of those neighborhoods. I have first hand seen the results of PIQUE empowering, educating and giving confidence to parents. An involved and empowered parent is the best tool for any student.— February 20, 2016 10:27 a.m.
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
Let's not lose sight of the fact that if public schools are failing our students - and many are for numerous reasons - we as parents have choices today! And Charter schools are part of that choice. I agree that some charters need better oversight and leadership, but the same could be said of our public schools. Parents that are engaged and involved will demand and get better results. For those schools that don't have a lot of parental involvement, PTA and SSC at those campuses should demand that PIQUE be part of the the curriculum for parents. This program teaches parents how to be involved and effective in their children's education.— February 19, 2016 2:05 p.m.
Crisis at Bayfront Charter High
I can't speak specifically to this school, but I can attest to the fact that at least one Charter K-8 school in CVESD is doing a stellar job. This school offers an amazing amount of programs for the students, has among the highest attendance rates, scores among the highest against schools with similar demographics, has been recognized locally and nationally for programs and results, and is generally well run. A well run Charter requires numerous things - a Director/Principal that is in it for the right reason -the kids - and not for empire building, money, fame, etc; an executive team that has the same goals; teachers that are dedicated with a kid first mentality, but are also flexible and willing to try new, better and more efficient and innovative ways to teach, and probably most important an independent board of directors who are willing to oversee, question and hold the Director accountable to run the Charter according to its Bylaws and Charter. It is possible to have this, but it takes a lot of work and coordination. Let's not paint all Charters with a broad brush. If we did the same to all schools and how they are run, many holes would be found. Let's hold each Charter accountable. Let's make sure we have an involved Board that is willing to put in the time to oversee the Director and school. Let's make sure CVESD is doing its due diligence, teachers are engaged and parents are involved. At the end of the day, the goal is to provide children the best education possible and prepare them for the future. Some Charters do this better than public schools.— February 18, 2016 3:15 p.m.
Brace for culture change, Chula Vista
It's seems like the City is damned if it does and damned if it doesn't. If they do nothing, they get criticized for letting the downtown area deteriorate. If they beautify the streetscape that's not enough to draw people to the area. If they sell parking lots there's not enough parking. If they allow new residential to be built its too crowded. I own a business on Third and am excited to see the positive changes and the potential of downtown CV. Change is inevitable and necessary to grow and improve the area. Not everyone can be pleased by the changes, but change is coming!!— January 7, 2016 3:15 p.m.
Trash man cometh not
I wonder if he voted for any of the variances in Eastern CV that led to more residential units? There are 2 specific areas the council allowed variances on recently so apartments or condos could be built. If so, why wouldn't the same reasoning apply?— December 30, 2015 7:54 a.m.
Chula Vista condo plan misses mark again
I had an opportunity to attend a meeting the developer, Dr. Hamid Mani, presented to a small group of business owners and community leaders (no elected leaders). Dr. Mani owns California Retina Associates, which is block south of the proposed area. He outlined his vision and listened to feedback from our group. Many of the same concerns expressed at this community meeting were shared with Dr. Mani at our meeting. Many of us that own businesses along Third Ave would love to see progress and change to benefit all residents and businesses in the area. The challenge is finding change that residents will accept. Any type of progress is ultimately going to cause disruption, whether it be traffic, construction, parking, etc. The question is do we want West CV, Third Ave and downtown CV to continue its slow decline? Or are we willing to accept change, progress and development? I'm for change, progress and development. This specific development may not be the answer due to all the concerns noted. But something has to be done in West CV, Third Ave and downtown CV to stop the steady decline.— December 23, 2015 3:47 p.m.
Development-crazy on Chula Vista's west side
A complicated issue indeed. Businesses along Third Ave need and desire some sort of development that will kickstart the area and make it a destination location for shoppers. Residents in the area don't want to deal with additional living units that will lead to construction, traffic and more congestion. These are competing interests that our City leaders must deal with. So what is the solution? Is there a happy medium? Many cite City Heights, South Park, or University Heights as successful downtown areas that have managed this dichotomy. But is copying those areas really the answer? If you speak to residents and business owners, definitely not. Whatever the solution, our City must engage all stakeholders including residents and business owners.— November 3, 2015 8:03 a.m.
Nonprofit bingo hall proposed for Chula Vista
Glad to see what a classy city Chula Vista is becoming! First s strip joint, then a card room and now a bingo hall. I'm sure all that will drive redevelopment along the bay. Great job City Leaders! Keep keeping Chula Vista a classy city!!— October 22, 2015 3:41 p.m.