Conejo schools not that good when compared to communities with similar demographics

Where is the investigative reporting on the 2005 API Similar Schools Ranking for Conejo Valley Unified School District?

Specifically I am speaking of the second comparison column on the annual API base report which compares how well each school performs measured against other communities with the same demographics.

"Our district is one of the finest in the state," is the familiar closing mantra proffered in opinion letters signed by CVUSD trustees Tim Stephens, Pat Phelps, Dorothy Beaubian and Dolores Didio.

In 2005 not one CVUSD elementary school was able to rank a 10 (best) when compared with other similar schools in California. Meadows Elementary received the lowest ranking possible (1) with Wildwood, Ladera (2) and Lang Ranch (3) all close behind.

One culprit in this dismal performance may be the "whole math" program instituted by Stephens, Phelps, Beaubian and Didio. Everyday Math was rejected twice by the state Board of Education for failing to meet California math standards.

Recent articles highlight the fact enrollment is dropping in CVUSD. With Internet access to the API similar schools ranking, private schools and other districts with effective programs will undoubtedly draw students away.

Gregory Lennox has correctly pointed out that declining enrolment in CVUSD dictates that our district must begin to compete for students or suffer significant financial cutbacks.

Come election time, voters would be wise to elect school board trustees who support and endorse strong academic content, rather than "politically correct" programs recommended by educators who promote an experimental progressive agenda.

Save Our Children from Mediocre Math strongly endorses Mike Dunn, John Andersen and Greg Lennox for CVUSD school board in the November election. Jo Anne Cobasko, co founder, Save Our Children from Mediocre Math Thousand Oaks