Tug of war erupts between parents and CVUSD over charter vs. magnet school

Parents and teachers from Meadows Elementary School were "heartbroken" by a presentation on magnet schools at last week's board meeting, claiming the district is shutting down a school that already incorporates the advantages of being an arts magnet school.

The district's magnet school committee, which had been meeting weekly for months to research the possibility of converting one or two elementary schools into an arts or technology-based magnet facility, presented a description of what a magnet school would look like and how students might present a play and create sculptures and paintings.

"It was absolutely soul-crushing to hear," said parent Jeff Lewis.

"What they described, that's what we've done. That's what the parents have volunteered and the staff (has) worked so hard to create," he said. "You decided to kill it a month ago, and now you're coming back and saying, 'Wouldn't this be a great idea?' It's soul-crushing."

The district committee comprises parents and district staff, including elementary principals Jennifer Boone, Judie Tetzlaff, Sheila Carlson and Martha Tureen. Tureen said foci would be on innovative instructional programs, equity and diversity for all students and opportunities for all learning styles.

"It's ambitious, but it's possible," said Bob Iezza, director of elementary education and a magnet school committee member. "We've received a tremendous amount of support from parents. It seems a little 'out there,' but we've got some movers and shakers. It can be done."

The committee has also offered ideas on funding, including existing grants and partnerships with local universities and organizations. Members also suggested that the school could be open for the 2009 academic year and that one of the schools being considered is Manzanita.

Board member Tim Stephens was impressed with the presentation. "I have a three-letter word in response to that," he said. "Wow. . . . I'm so excited I can't stand it."

But many parents who took the podium later in the meeting were confused over why the board didn't recognize that Meadows has been using a magnet-based curriculum and has been publicly trying to become a magnet school for years.

"It felt like a punch in the stomach," said parent Susan Lachey.

Representatives from a group raising money to create a Meadows Charter School called MATES (Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary School) also shared their plans. Although some said they were in favor of a magnet school, which would remain part of CVUSD, once it was cited for closure, they decided to set a new goal and become a charter school, which wouldn't be a part of the district.

"In a magnet school, we would get (money per student), but a charter we wouldn't," said board member Dolores Didio.

"It could mean a closure of another school," she said. "It would mean drawing more students away and more teachers laid off."