Comments on: Side-by-side comparison of Mt. Diablo schools recommended for closure

By: Theresa Harrington

Theresa Harrington — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:01:01 +0000

FYI, here’s the direct link to the consultant’s Powerpoint presentation regarding the school closure process: http://bit.ly/gyMP1G

By: celeste mccullough

celeste mccullough — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:36:42 +0000

I would like to comment on the child’s letter. I too wrote the district about the collabrative partnership Sequoia Middle school has with downtown Pleasant Hill. I shop at Lucky’s all the time. Joined Massage Envy becasue it is so close to the kids school. Furthermore, our honor roll kids (3.0) receive coupons to shop downtown and our band play music in the plaza. Downtown Pleasnant Hill relies on our students, staff and families!
ps. I really thought yuor article was helpful

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:58:39 +0000

Let’s be clear that the schools being referred to as “Choice” schools are only partially “Choice”. The district operates them, and it can decide to change the way they are run, or close them, at any time. Their survivial is not dependent on what parents want for their children. We already know they are popular. The survival of these learning environments depends on this monopoly school district’s decision to keep them open — or not. That is not the kind of choice that will ever show much promise for transforming education in California.

“Without choice, there is no accountability.”

By: truthbetold

truthbetold — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:16:32 +0000

All the 10 schools listed in the Federal Improvement Program have one major thing in common…major Hispanic population. I’m not placing blame on this group; however, something must change so that these schools’ API scores improve. What must change is open to debate and a big can of worms. Closing “choice” schools with some of the highest API scores in the District is not the answer. Businesses do not close high performing, profitable divisions and keep the boat anchors operating…well most, with the exception of GM.

By: Joe Smith

Joe Smith — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:31:23 +0000

It seems inconceivable, but I think we are all being set up for the district to close the choice schools.

I hope the people claiming they will recall every board member that votes that way are serious. I would like to be the first to sign such a recall petition.

By: tharrington

tharrington — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:14:50 +0000

You’re right that the district is hoping to come as close to even on utility costs as possible with its solar projects. Pete Pedersen should be able to give a more definitive estimate of projected utility costs after the solar projects are installed. Also, the district may have to return some CREBS funding if it isn’t used at the sites designated.
And, as I noted above, the staffing savings may not be accurate either, since union employees with seniority at schools that are closed may be transferred to other schools. This means higher-paid employees will likely remain in the district, while lower-paid employees (with less seniority), would likely be laid-off.
For all five elementary schools recommended, 4.8 jobs would be eliminated. I believe the estimated costs are based on the actual employees at sites now.
Closure of Glenbrook Middle School would eliminate about 6.7 employees and closure of Sequoia Middle School would eliminate about 7.7 employees.

By: District Parent

District Parent — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:44:16 +0000

Just curious? If solar is intended to bring money to the general fund by reducing energy costs at no cost to the district (they have the measure C funds) then how can they say they are saving on utility costs by closing a school? Wouldn’t they save on utility costs regardless.
That would mean that the saving per scenario should be reduced as follows:
1.) Reduce savings by $283,000
2.) Reduce savings by $276,000
3.) Reduce savings by $214,000
I know that doesn’t address which schools should close but if they are going to count on saving money at the intangible expense of closing schools the numbers should reflect a savings that can only be accomplished by closing the schools, not one that would exist regardless.