Filed by Cheryl Ortega

April 13, 2016

At the LAUSD Board of Ed yesterday, I listened to a parade of charter organizations appealing for their school to open or to continue to operate. One in particular, called the Eduvate Hybrid Charter High School, brought about 10 speakers. Have to say, I don’t quite get the “hybrid” part of the name. They are affiliated with the Rossier School of Education at USC and the Dean of that school, Dr.Karen Gallagher, was the first to speak. She, and all of the supporters, spoke of USC’s commitment to improve schools and education in general for potential first generation college goers. They are technologically inclined. They offer independent studies and small classes. And their teachers really like their students. Students spoke of teachers who really cared about them, like family.

In all of the years I have listened to charters asking for permission to exist, they always say these things. As if public school teachers really don’t like kids very much and the charter is offering an oasis for learning. If the Rossier schools is committed to the community, why don’t they offer resources to public schools, many of whose students are also the first generation to go to college. Why don’t they commit to being a supporter of public education and help decrease class sizes and help kids with independent studies?

And finally, no charter needs to bring 10 speakers to the Board of Ed to plead their case. The Board is going to grant the charter. I have only once seen it fail to do so in 10 years, and that was because of claims of fiscal irresponsibility. Their vote is ALWAYS unanimous. Charters have no worry here.