Everyone is talking about Chesapeake Science Point School and how the superintendent wants to close it down. I do not believe that is the case. The problem is not about the kids and parents, it's about the business of running a school, something CSPS cannot seem to understand.
The superintendent has asked CSPS to comply with five items, some of which have not been in compliance in two and half years. If CSPS followed the charter agreement that officials there had signed, there would probably be no discussion.
One very important item is CSPS's curriculum. It does not have an approved one. That means my child, who is in a public school and is taking Algebra I, is going to get a high school credit. Are the children in CSPS going to get high school credit for their upper-level courses?
CSPS has no special education level 5 teacher. The charter agreement required this from the day the school opened. And yet it cannot seem to find one to hire. Why is that?
Furthermore, why is everyone attacking the public school system? Have you gotten involved in your public school? Or your kids' lives? Charter schools may be an alternate form of education, but nothing can take the place of parent involvement. With the complexity of modern life and the lack of interest, it's no wonder the public school system has problems. It is not a babysitting service.
The superintendent wants the school system to be place of learning, a place where our children can learn and grow. To do this, he needs the parents and community to get involved. Did you go to the meeting about CSPS? I did. You need to get involved to complain, and I do.
The public school system will work if parents get involved. Then you would not hear, as one man said, sirens heading to our schools. You would hear cheers from the cheerleaders and laughter in the halls. Let's stop attacking our schools and just start supporting them.
Susan Emge
Glen Burnie