Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education
3057 Montgomery Way
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone/Fax (916) 456-9435
Contact: Heidi McLean, Chair SCSPE, (916) 456-9435 or Len Feldman (916) 747-3657 (cell)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A coalition of parents is demanding that the Sacramento school board identify a non-charter school site for every student at Sacramento High School and suspend enrollment for the St. Hope's charter high school until all current students have been informed of their right to attend a traditional public school.
The Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education has issued a letter (click here to download) -- with copies to local lawmakers and Mayor Heather Fargo -- and plans to address the school board at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 21, at the Board's meeting at the Serna Center (5735 47th Avenue). Note: McLean is available to talk with reporters immediately and through the weekend at (916) 456-9435.
The coalition is reminding the Board "the current students and next fall's incoming freshmen class have had their attendance area, traditional high school closed. No new attendance area school has been designated for these students." The students are entitled by law to enrollment in a traditional public school with sufficient notice and time to enroll, the coalition letter stresses.
"The coalition has come to the conclusion that SCUSD staff is purposefully misleading parents and students," writes Heidi McLean, coalition chair.
The efforts are being supported by the local Parents Teachers Students Association (PTSA) and local teachers.
"We share the coalition's grave concerns that the district has not taken the proper steps to ensure Sacramento High students the right to enroll in a traditional public school," says Tom Rogers, president of the Sacramento City Teachers Association/CTA/NEA. "Our students are being harmed by the district's disorganized and ill-advised process.
WHO: Local parents belonging to the Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education
WHAT: Will issue demands to the Sacramento City school board
WHEN: 7:00 PM on Monday, April 21, 2003
WHERE: At district headquarters, the Serna Center, (5735 47th Avenue)
WHY: To gain traditional public school enrollment options for Sacramento High students