Charter Schools

By Anthony L. "Tony" Beste

I am not part of the organization trying to form a charter school, but I believe it to be one of the most important issues to our children's learning.

A Charter school is governed by the charter document stating goals and operating procedures for the school. The governing board is made up of a group of teachers and parents (usually only one seat is occupied by a current member of the school board). This governing board helps to develop some guidelines, programs, and budgets (if the budget is chartered). If a charter school does not live up to the standards set up in the charter it may be closed down. Teachers and students cannot be forced to attend, they are free to attend the public school of their choice. Charter schools are freed of many state regulations, this allows the governing board to change the amount of time spent on programs like social work, and sex education.

For more information please attend the October 15th 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Kern County Library.

Please write in the following canidates for school board if you feel this is a good idea.

Amy Covert and Alan J. Van Nevel

Thank you for your time,

Anthony (Tony) L. Beste