I’m responding to the article, “Another charter school approved in Thousand Oaks” written by Joann Groff in the Feb. 18 Acorn where she writes that Bridges was formed by dissatisfied parents and teachers of open classroom.

I’m a supporter of Bridges as well as the open classroom at Conejo Elementary School.

Both schools are working to provide the best education for our children. How we go about it is the difference.

Does this difference make one right or wrong? No, it simply means parents can make a choice. Every school is different, and that’s a good thing. Differences between the two programs were among the reasons why the Ventura County Board of Education authorized Bridges Charter School. It’s my job as a parent to become educated about each school’s philosophy and make an informed decision.

One school may offer consensus type governance over the design and evolution of the program while another may not.

What if one school is inspired by Waldorf methods and another isn’t? Does this make one school right or wrong? No, it provides information about the school or schools that will best serve the needs of my children.

If I feel any dissatisfaction, it lies with the district. Education leaders around the country agree that education has been in trouble for 30 years, but didn’t really know what to do about it. Like most dysfunctions in life, it takes time to face uncomfortable truths, but times are changing. We need to change with the times.

Our district needs to change.

Please know that my dissatisfaction isn’t born out of cynicism. Cynicism doesn’t lead anywhere.

It’s kindness, assertiveness and hard work that keep people hopeful and inspired in the midst of difficulty.

Whether parents, teachers and students work within the district or outside the district, I’m forever inspired by their passion to pursue solutions to education and to provide what’s best for all of our children.
Jerri Baker
Thousand Oak