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The task group held a public input session on February 29th to ask for reactions to its preliminary recommendations. It was a small meeting, with attendance of about 7 members of the task group, and about an equal number of members of the public.
Summary of the Notes:
- Did the task group address monetary resources available to the district?
Answers: Not in total, but it did address the question of equal distribution of those resources, that independent schools are funded at a low level, and the need for access to other resources ( e.g., buildings and information).
- Is there inequity within 4J?
Answers: Some of the details of the inequities are discussed in the body of the report were summarized.
- Does the task group recommend relocating alternative schools?
Answer: Not specifically, but the task group hopes that relocation and other options will be considered, as appropriate.
- Have facilities been considered in discussing where schools should be moved?
Answer: No, the task group did not feel that was part of its charge.
- Have the effects on two-tiers of eliminating transportation been considered?
- Why don't small schools survive?
Those present discussed the economics of scale.
- The number of school buildings in the south region makes it a natural magnet for charter schools.
- Transportation is key to true choice.
- Can there be more collaboration across public and private lines, less threat? Can there be more coalition building and less competition?
- Should the task group suggest that public be more aware of or more involved in district budget issues?
- Should alternative schools be eliminated and all schools offer a complete full- service package?
- Has school size been discussed?
- 4J needs a good survey to gauge public desires.
- Equitable funding is key.
Some other suggestions and questions were raised at the meeting:
- The bias/stigma attached to neighborhood schools relative to alternative schools, and to alternative education programs should be eliminated.
- Facilities should be available for any publicly-funded school.
- Every kid in a publicly-funded school should be considered a "4J" kid.
- As part of fair funding, fiscal information about how individual schools are funded and what their costs are should be more public and more transparent.
- The district should allow each school to be as free as possible with its curriculum. This includes being willing to take the consequences if curriculum choices result in lower scores on the state-mandated tests.
- As the equity issues seem so key, why doesn't the task group recommend that the district pool private donations to schools?
- Consider larger schools so that the curriculum can be wider and more attractive.
- Focus on what's best for students rather than what is best for schools.
- Consider putting Regional Learning Centers in alternative schools.
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