Charter school fans respond to Gwinnett court challenge
Here is some reaction from charter school advocates to the lawsuit filed by Gwinnett County challenging a new state law that allows charter schools to bypass local boards of education and seek approval – and local tax dollars - from a state commission. (So far, the commission has approved two schools, including an all-girl school in Gwinnett, Ivy Prep. See recent post below on charters/vouchers for more details about this issue.)
–“We are sorry to hear that a school district with an annual budget of over $2 billion dollars would file a suit against the State to prevent it from fulfilling its financial responsibility to providing a quality education for a diverse group of 300 young girls, many of whom are eligible for free and reduced price lunch,” said Georgia Charter Schools Association Chief Executive Officer Tony Roberts. “Their parents have made the choice that these girls are better served in a charter school.”
–“The Gwinnett County School Board elected to sue the state over legislation that gave a few students the chance to attend a small public school of their choice,” says State Rep. Jan Jones (R-Milton), the House Majority Whip who sponsored the new law. “Now it is time for Gwinnett citizens to elect a new board, one that actually puts students first and egos second. The Gwinnett Board earlier denied approval and local funding to the school. When Ivy Prep opened its doors anyway with half funding, its students scored among the highest achievement marks in Georgia. Shame on the Gwinnett County School Board. Our state constitution compels Georgia to fund all public school students adequately, not preferentially and unfairly according to Gwinnett’s rules.”
–“I am a law abiding, tax-paying citizen in Gwinnett County, and it is very disturbing to me that Gwinnett County Public Schools would sue one of its public schools over tax dollars for public education,” said Veda Bills, mother of a seventh grader at Ivy Prep.
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119 comments Add your comment
Reality 2
September 14th, 2009
5:22 pm
If the state wants to approve a charter school, then they should run it using its own budget. Don’t force a local system to pay for it. If the state want the local system to function as a “flow through” of the money from the state, then they should pay the local system fees to do so. However, the state has no business dictating whether or not a charter school must be supported by the local money.
Courtney
September 14th, 2009
5:45 pm
Why should Gwinnett tax payers be forced to support something we have no say over? This is the state robbing the county pure and simple.
Dunwoody Mom
September 14th, 2009
6:20 pm
I believe this same issue arose in the state of Florida. Courts ruled that the state had no control over local school systems and their charter commission was dissolved.
Cere
September 14th, 2009
6:32 pm
Ivy Prep?! A direct passage to the Ivy League I guess… how nice!
Jennifer
September 14th, 2009
6:44 pm
If the Gwinnett taxpayers read the Ivy Prep charter that was twice denied by the Gwinnett County School board, examine closely the inane reasons for both denials, read charter school law, and then, even with all of those obstacles take a moment to review the academic success of the school — every single one of those board members will be gone in their next election cycle. I will stand by my comments – the board members, in my opinion as one who followed this very closely, were derelict in their duties and obligations to the public.
Had the board members had an ounce of backbone, this system would not be green with envy for a small school to come in and outperform GCPS public schools on half of the school budget. Instead, we could have all been proud of the innovation and avoided this ego driven lawsuit.
Wake up counties that are thinking of joining the lawsuit – be independent -research the initial petitions and internal obstacles GCPS created for charter schools and then you decide if GCPS deserves to be supported by your joining ranks. My guess is your district never would have stood for it.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens
September 14th, 2009
7:15 pm
Is Gwinnett County Schools suing a bunch of 6th and 7th grade public school girls over the question of whether they should be funded at the same level as all other children in the district? I have said it before and I will say it again, God made the idiot for practice, and then he made the school board.
Maureen Downey
September 14th, 2009
7:25 pm
Mr. Clemens,
With that twist on the quote, I am not sure if school boards or Congress should be more insulted.
Maureen
GA dad
September 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
I see three people who have commented about how the state should not be allowed to determine how Gwinnett spends it educational dollars? How much of the $2 billion or so for Gwinnett schools is from the local taxpayers, how much is state money, and how much is federal?
Larry
September 14th, 2009
8:01 pm
Yeah well, “boo-hoo I want money” just isn’t a good legal argument.
Maybe we need literate legislators who CAN READ OUR CONSTITUTION before they dash off a law to gather a few votes – eh, Jan??? While you’re at it, explain how taking power away from local elected officials and putting it into the hands of a state level appointed board amounts to smaller government.
Now I feel better.
A copy of the actual complaint filed with the court (thanks M) is available at:
http://www.cpoga.org/PDF/complaint.pdf
ScienceTeacher671
September 14th, 2009
8:07 pm
Jan is correct in saying “Our state constitution compels Georgia to fund all public school students adequately”…but it also says that local school boards control the schools.
Larry
September 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
GA dad,
For the current budget, 52.1% is local money, 42.3% is state and 5.6% is federal.
Keep in mind, the state follows a strict funding formula to determine who gets how much.
Thank you - jim d
September 14th, 2009
9:55 pm
On September 14th, 2009 7:36 am.
Vouchers & charters: Is it really the children’s money or yours?Vouchers & charters: Is it really the children’s money or yours?
jim d commented:
“Unless I’m mistaken (and I’m not) what the state has said is not that they demand local $$ be spent to support the charters. What they have said is that the state controls state $$ and will withhold state $$ from the system in the amount of funding they provide the system equal to the amount of local funding the county is refusing to share with the charter schools and provide those funds directly to the charter schools. So what we are talking about is actually state funding not local funding.”
Touche’
high school teacher
September 14th, 2009
10:12 pm
If charter schools receive state funding, then they should have to play by the same rules as everyone else. Public schools would have much higher test scores if we public school teachers didn’t have to play the AYP game.
Maureen's accountability metric
September 14th, 2009
10:37 pm
From Megan Matteucci, in a story on ajc.com:
“He remained in a vegetative state for 14 years before dieing, police said.”
Is “dieing” the new dying at the AJC? For the second time in a week, an AJC reporter has misspelled dying as “dieing”. Nobody’s perfect, but that’s not a typo; that’s an “I don’t know”.
How embarrassing for the AJC.
Elaine
September 14th, 2009
11:00 pm
This is the whole point of a “charter school.” It gets to step outside the regular governance of the local board and operates under its approved charter. By the very nature of the charter school setup, it receives the local money (or state money through local district). The district approves the charter and then funds the school by the per-pupil formula. This isn’t new. This is how all charter schools operate. If Gwinnett didn’t want the school, they shouldn’t have approved the charter. Now that it’s approved they have to follow through. This is why I no longer live in Gwinnett County.
Jennifer
September 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
Larry,
Thank you for a copy of the actual complaint. It is quite revealing. No mention of the author for the title IX legislation specifically sharing with GCPS the intent of the revised legislation as it pertained to same sex schools -and the opinion was favorable to the Ivy Prep model. Irreparable damage to GCPS students, you have to give me a break. If the 300 girls were in GCPS, the funds would be spent on them under GCPS anyway – where is the damage ? Unless of course, the funds that the local taxpayer provides do not really get spent on the student.They are just getting the same money they would get if in one of the failing schools they came from. Also, null and void of the Ivy Prep charter ? I thought they cared about education which is obviously occurring at a higher rate in some cases than in GCPS schools. No this is a vanity lawsuit – and it is being done on the backs of our students, not in the name of our students. I do hope someone at the AJC tracks the costs of the suit and shares it with the public. The public should know just how much the GCPS board cares about spending tax payer dollars in the courtroom versus in the classroom.
Donald F. Valtman
September 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
First, common sense says the primary factor determining public school budgets is the number of enrolled students. Therefore, how does reducing a 156,000 K-12 student enrollment by a couple hundred students make a row-of-beans difference in a $2+ Billion GCPSS budget?
The nexus of this issue seems to be POWER, i.e., WHO controls the local tax money GCPSS receives — rather than the more logical concern of which school provides the best K-12 education for a STUDENT!
Trusting that Larry’s funding figures for the current GCPSS budget are accurate, how is it that the federal government, who provides the LOWEST amount of funds (5.6%), have the ability to MANDATE unfunded requirements on GCPSS? (think NCLB)
Regardless of how this came about, the State similarly will prevail based on Georgia’s Constitution — specifically Article VIII, Sections V & VI, paras 1 & 1(b) respectively. And this is as it should be if our state politicians truly believe that constituent paid tax money should follow the STUDENT and PARENTS should chose the public school that provides the best K-12 education to their CHILDREN!
Larry
September 15th, 2009
3:49 am
Elaine, the elected board in Gwinnett didn’t approve the charter, they rejected it. Ivy Prep’s charter was approved by an appointed state level board.
The “local funds” issue is on page nine of the complaint. During the 2008-2009 school year, Ivy Prep received only QBE funding. Funding for the 2009-2010 school year included the “proportional share of local revenue,” which *should* come from state funds. What the state actually did was deduct this additional amount directly from GCPS’ QBE funding.
Effectively, this diverts local tax money (the only other source of funding) to any charter school administered by the appointed state board.
Some of you should read this complaint more carefully. This situation isn’t unique to Gwinnett; every school system in Georgia is in the same boat. If you don’t like the way your BoE operates, you can vote them out of office.
If you don’t like what an appointed state board does with you local tax revenue, exactly what are you going to do?
jim d
September 15th, 2009
5:29 am
Courtney,
“Why should Gwinnett tax payers be forced to support something we have no say over?”
We were actually given two opportunities to have a say in this school. Unfortunately a few narrow minded–bigoted, power hungry, egomaniacs opted not to approve the charter since it wasn’t their idea–thus removing any chance of having a say. If you must blame someone, I’d suggest starting with the five elected BOE members that were acting in anything but the best interest of the children.
Perhaps it is time we taxpayers woke up and unelect these self centered politicans. 2010 is just around the corner
alice
September 15th, 2009
7:02 am
High School Teacher
Charter Schools have to meet AYP and if they don’t they will lose their charter. Not only that, but some charter schools have met AYP but not their stated goals and their charter has been revoked.
Charters have far more accountability than your everyday GA public school.
Gwinnett Schools are among the least innovative when it comes to choice in the state. No surprise that Wilbanks is afraid of a little competition.
Fact checker
September 15th, 2009
7:03 am
High School Teacher complained “If charter schools receive state funding, then they should have to play by the same rules as everyone else. Public schools would have much higher test scores if we public school teachers didn’t have to play the AYP game.”
Clearly, High School Teacher isn’t very well informed about how charter schools operate. Charter schools ARE required to play the same AYP game as traditional public schools, only for much higher stakes. A charter school that fails to educate its students will lose its charter and be shut down. When was the last time a traditional public school closed it doors for failing to educate children?
Go to the Dept. of Education’s web site and take a look at the CRCT scores for Ivy Prep, the charter school at the center of this law suit. The school was one of the top performing middle schools in the state.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
7:25 am
Larry, Larry, Larry,
Your definition of “LOCAL TAX DOLLARS” is sorely lacking. I find it a real stretch, even for you, to consider state funding as local money. I fear you have been drinking the Alvin-Aid too long, sounds like spin right out of his book.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
7:36 am
thanks fact checker,
you are 100% on the money–the biggest problem facing charter schools is public ignorance about how they operate and and the stringent requirements they must meet just to maintain the charter.
Folks, these are PUBLIC SCHOOLS that are required to exceed all expectations of a state run public school.
Jennifer
September 15th, 2009
7:55 am
Larry,
I love all these people who stick their head in the sand and say vote the board members out. And what, our kids should receive a lackluster education and no choice in their public education because our system has long neglected improving some of our worst individual schools ? In fact, if you look at the trends you will see that GCPS started cleaning up their act in the community that Ivy Prep serves right around the time they knew that a petition was being planned.
Realistically, you are talking about an election process that at best would have taken from 2007-2010 to get a voting majority elected. Do you realize that all of these students would have lost their entire middle school years to the “vote them out” mentality ?
Strategically cycling our Stepford board members is going to be a long process, especially in Gwinnett with the heavy political hands at work within the school system. Don’t forget, this school system has become the largest employer in Gwinnett (which is saying something), has a 2B dollar budget and can make a whole lot of friends, most of whom benefit financially and politically from keeping the status quo in place.
Fact checker
September 15th, 2009
8:21 am
Courtney complained “Why should Gwinnett tax payers be forced to support something we have no say over?” Actually, the local community does have a say over the charter school. If they didn’t want the school and didn’t think it was offer something they couldn’t get at their traditional public school, then they would not enroll their children. The fact that the school is fully enrolled and maintains a waiting list tells me that the community supports the school, regardless of the Board of Education’s position on the matter.
SBC Charter Roundup 3 – Schools Building Communities
September 15th, 2009
8:44 am
[...] Republic) Calif. — Charter Schools Association Announces New Leadership Team (Reuters) Ga. — Charter school fans respond to Gwinnett court challenge (Atlanta Constitution Journal) La. — Rebuilding the Music in New Orleans (FOX) La. — Group [...]
Larry
September 15th, 2009
9:17 am
Jim, let’s say you have me under a court order, which requires me to repay $100 I owe you. I am now under a legal mandate to pay you $100 by a certain day.
On that day, I call you and offer to meet you at Hooters, so you can get your money.
When you arrive, I don’t hand you five twenty dollar bills, only four. I explain that I had no money for lunch and used the other 20 I legally owed you to pay for it. Let’s stipulate that you weren’t thrilled with this idea.
Strictly speaking, you didn’t pay for my lunch, I did. But because I paid for it with money that was legally yours, *effectively*, you really did involuntarily buy me lunch.
This is what the state did to GCPS by underpaying the legally required QBE amount and spending it elsewhere.
You may not see it this way and if you don’t, can I borrow $100 and pay you back next week?
jim d
September 15th, 2009
9:49 am
LOL LARRY,
Get Alvin to meet us at Hooters and I’ll buy both of you lunch—no questions asked!!
RightOnGCPS
September 15th, 2009
9:51 am
My child attends Gwinnett’s approved charter school and I would prefer that the money goes to those students. IVY Prep has kids attending from other areas, which have really good charter schools. Dekalb and Fulton counties have charter schools.
Thank you.
Gwinnett Parent
Maureen's accountability metric
September 15th, 2009
9:53 am
Seven blog topics in one day? Kanye West and topless Playboy models? Is it me, or is this pandering to the lowest common denominator in a desperate attempt to maintain some sort of relevance?
jim d
September 15th, 2009
9:59 am
Larry,
look at it from this point of view—–CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
That being said–the county is required to fund them as if they are ANY OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL. something Alvin and the chipmunks refuse to do. Leaving the state no alternative but to assure the school is properly funded according to law.
personally I’m betting Alvin is looking to negotiate to reduce the funding going to charters without the expense of a long drawn court battle. In other words my friend, He’s bluffing by gambling tax dollars that really should be spent in classrooms. This is the arrogant attitude that has long past suggested he be replaced along with every BOE member.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
10:09 am
Hey, know what Larry?
Just accured to me that since alvin has obviously had people reading the state constitution that now might be an excellent time for Mr. Thubert Baker to have another chat with him re: open meetings.
Whatta think? should we write a few letters to the A/G suggesting same?
Button Gwinnett
September 15th, 2009
10:11 am
Hasn’t anyone told you that Alvin Wilbanks and his five (yes, just five for nearly a million people) board members are above the Georgia law? Perhaps District Attorney Danny Porter will investigate the school system also, not just the land deals ($37 mil) of the commission.
The Gwinnett system is becoming heavily populated by minorities, but with only five board members, the school board will remain “white bread” for at least another decade, causing more racial and ethnic stress. Gwinnett is not so “Great” anymore. Just still arrogant.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
10:15 am
Porter has already proven he has no balls when it comes to the school system.
Maureen Downey
September 15th, 2009
10:28 am
I would second Jim’s concern about open meetings violations. As I have said here before, the willingness of government to circumvent open records and open meetings laws is shocking. Having written dozens of ranting editorials on this, I have to tell you it’s not an issue that engages most people. Only a handful of well-informed citizens understand or care about the consequences of closed dealings by public bodies. (Until they notice the cranes in their yards because the county commission has overruled the zoning board and approved a shopping center next door.)
Please keep up the pressure.
Larry
September 15th, 2009
10:43 am
Charter schools WERE getting identical funding until the Georgia Charter School Commission happened. The way they’re doing it now, the state could charter 45 schools in Gwinnett and they would be the only schools receiving QBE funding. It’s fatally flawed.
I wouldn’t mention lunch or anything else to Alvin for a few days. He recently found out I was going to publicly support something he did and I’m not sure he’s able to breathe outside the paper bag yet.
Putting a bug in Baker’s ear is an interesting thought, since I expect he’s not too thrilled with GCPS about now. This could be almost as much fun as watching your wife and your girlfriend meet for the fist time.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
10:46 am
Thanks Mo,
here’s some suggested reading for anyone interested.
http://www.gfaf.org/resources/sunshine_laws.pdf
As for the Gwinnett BOE’s flagerant disregard i point you to 50-14-3 (4) please note the word “future” which would not include the actual vote on aquisition, which the BOE continues to do despite the fact that the BOC discontinued this practice when this all came to light a few years ago.
Jennifer
September 15th, 2009
11:01 am
RightOnGCPS,
Aren’t you just a tad bit concerned that GCPS is doing this so they don’tt have to fund your “district approved” charter school to the same level that the state is saying should be going to a charter ? As evidenced by the $$ amount per student difference complaint ?
And I wouldn’t complain too much if this is the Math and Science school because I would imagine that between the business community and the Gwinnett Public Schools Foundation $$$ you are getting some additional support to make up any difference. Now if you are New Life Academy….I wonder if you are getting the same contribution from the business community and the Public Schools Foundation $$$ ?
That would be interesting.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
11:04 am
Larry—you are killing me today.
“Charter schools WERE getting identical funding until the Georgia Charter School Commission happened.”
then why is new life operating on less per student than other GCPS’s? No my friend funding is less than equitable!
X-Ivyparent
September 15th, 2009
11:23 am
My daughter used to attend Ivy Prep Academy. I think the real topic is why other charter schools have done well without extra money and why Ivy Prep was on TV so much always asking for money. I was on the inside and I know exactly why. The are not handling the funds correctly. Here are some examples.
1. All of the children have Macbooks. P.S. The were not all donated.
2. Instead of finding a used building to use, they rent 2 brand new buildings and one of the buildings is not being used. The rent on that building itself is aroud $20,000.
These are just some of the missmanagement of funds that happens at Ivy Prep.
Just something that needs to be checked!
jim d
September 15th, 2009
11:28 am
xivy,
finally some legitamate concerns. Thanks
Dr. John Trotter
September 15th, 2009
11:38 am
Maureen: School systems flagrantly violate the law all the time. Thugs, gangstas. They want children and teachers to abide by the law. Good. But, the school systems (under the non-leadership of the character-challenged superintendents) violate the law at will.
X-Ivyparent
September 15th, 2009
11:40 am
Nina Gilbert tells the children and will tell you “We are not a GCPS. This is a school of choice, and if you don’t like it here you may leave. She also told the children, ” Do you want to go to a school where this is fighting, gangs, and teachers that don’t teach?” It is so funny that she wants GCPS’ money now as much as she put them down. I think the charter board seen something that we didn’t see and that is why they made there decision. When I left, the GCPS that I sent my daughter to welcomed her with open arms. Over half of the children that started in Ivy Prep left before the end of the year and most of them went into GCPS. GCPS didn’t receive a dollar for any of the children because it was already given, at the beginning of the year,to IVY PREP! If anything Ivy owes GCPS money from last year!
Ex-Ivy Prep Parent
September 15th, 2009
12:11 pm
The interesting thing is that no one from Ivy Prep mentions the fact that approximatly 20% of the children were pulled from the school in January and Feb of 2009. If Ivy Prep says that they are doing such great strides in education, why would people pull their children out. The fact of the matter is that our children take the CRCT. My child exceeded the CRCT before Ivy and continues after Ivy. Ivy wants to say they do so much better than the rest of Georgia. They do if you compare apples to oranges. Ivy Prep has no special needs student at their school. The rest of the schools they are comparing themselves to have Special Education scores in their number, so it is hard to say they do anything better if the circumstances are not the same. They delay SST’s for many months to basically discourage people from using the SST process. Maybe if they were on the same playing field with the rest of GA, you would see different number. They mismanage money. That is evidenced by the building they are paying too much for. The Mac notebooks is just flash to get people to come to the school. A big waste of money.
Once upon a time Ivy Parent
September 15th, 2009
12:25 pm
First of all, Check Gwinnett county records and tally up how many students returned back to Gwinnett County in 2008 and 2009. It was not because it was the first year. Parents who could not be overpowered and brainwashed about the Gwinnett system took their loved ones home to Gwinnett before the school year ended and many during the 4th quarter. Those who were brainwashed stayed. Some Parents did wake up from the spell and did not return this fall.
When we talk about out passing your peers, there has to be a dot with lines drawn. Where are the lines. What you see on the media does not represent the trut. My daughter spent more time acting and performing for the visitors and the cameras that were always rolling. Please compare apples to apples not apples to oranges. You cannot sweep dirt under the carpet and don’t expect that eventually it will need cleaning. Gwinnett has to stand for something. Someone just cannot decide to move into your home and now you are responsible for paying their bills without your approval. The school spends foolishly. A little common sense is necessary here. Ivy Prep is a school of choice and Ivy Prep made the choice, not Gwinnett. Nina Gilbert made many choices to spend foolishly. Ivy Prep was careless with their money and is constantly trying to impress the public by over spending and then goes on TV crying for money
Maureen Downey
September 15th, 2009
12:36 pm
Does anyone know the turnover rate at Ivy Prep? I met last year ago with the national head of the KIPP schools. There had been similar criticism of the turnover rate at one of the KIPP schools in San Francisco. However, the KIPP CEO said the exit rate had slowed down over time.
There is probably some adjustment to a new charter school and some parents who find it’s not a good fit.
However, I think the financial issues at all start-up charters are critical to watch because most charters fall apart due to the money aspect, not the academics.
Maureen
Once upon a time Ivy Parent
September 15th, 2009
1:03 pm
Maureen you are correct, many of the issues was not the academics because my daughter was able to handle the workload with no problem. What you read on paper and saw on TV is not what was delivered. More will unfold in time Maureen. Great Marketing though.
RightOnGCPS
September 15th, 2009
1:04 pm
Jennifer
September 15th, 2009
11:01 am
RightOnGCPS,
Aren’t you just a tad bit concerned that GCPS is doing this so they don’tt have to fund your “district approved” charter school to the same level that the state is saying should be going to a charter ? As evidenced by the $$ amount per student difference complaint ?
Jennifer, to answer your questions – no, I’m not concerned because GCPS is fully vested in making this program work and yes, I am referring to GSMST. I would like to see additional programs that are put together like this model for other areas including: ARTS, Communication, Nursing, etc….
I don’t believe this has to be administered at the state level, but I believe the state should put a little fire under districts that are slow to produce charter schools.
I don’t believe charter schools are necessary at elementary school levels, but I think each district should have a couple of charter schools for middle school and highschool. I believe that in elementary school that kids should be taught basic (reading, math, science, social studies, language arts, etc.) and by 6th grade they should have a choice that is geared toward a career. I’m not proposing that we do away with higher level math, english, science or history; but the additional requirements should be geared toward a career by the time children reach highschool.
Maureen's accountability metric
September 15th, 2009
1:06 pm
Maureen if you are so concerned about violations of state law that you ask a poster to “keep up the pressure” why aren’t you keeping up the pressure on Crawford Lewis to answer questions about the flagrant violation of having a grievance hearing illegally shut down? Shut down, notably, right before that teacher was about to document cheating ongoing in DeKalb.
Isn’t ongoing cheating just as important an issue as open meetings? If so, why aren’t you keeping up the pressure on Lewis and the allegations, allegations that involve no less than a state senator violating the law?
Are you that afraid to give credibility to one of the AJC’s political opponents, if it turns out that person is absolutely in the right when it comes to DeKalb schools, at the highest levels, turning a blind eye to a teacher’s rights, just to suppress evidence of cheating?
RightOnGCPS
September 15th, 2009
1:17 pm
It’s not the AJC’s responsibility to keep up the pressure regarding cheating at the schools, I would say it’s the community and parents of that school district. The AJC is there to lend a loud voice to the teachers, parents and community about the cheating.
If enough parents show up on a continous basis to voice concerns, I think your voice will be heard LOUD and CLEAR.
Once upon a time Ivy Parent
September 15th, 2009
2:15 pm
I would like to see additional funding allocated to the Maxwell School of Technology Summer Program in Gwinnett. The allocation would extend the program time, days and tools needed for this well needed program. The funds would help maintain the current registration cost per families and the funds would also give more students the opportunity to participate. I would like to see this GCPS technology program grow.
jim d
September 15th, 2009
2:23 pm
RO GCPS
enough parents? If just the right ones shine up, show up and speak up consitantly armed with the truth–they will be heard. although it may take years
Once upon a time Ivy Parent
September 15th, 2009
2:30 pm
The Maxwell School of Technology summer program was available to all Gwinnett County Pulic School Students. I believe the grades from 6 to 8 who applied and availability.
CharterStarter
September 15th, 2009
4:03 pm
Thank you, Larry, for the link to the complaint. Reading it carefully, a few things are quite plain:
1. The plaintiff’s statement of “Facts Applicable to All Counts” abuses the word “Facts.” The list of Facts” is selective and inaccurate. The suit does not recount, for instance, the amendment to Charter School Law that allowed the creation of “state special chartered schools,” which is what Ivy Prep was last year, after Gwinnett denied Ivy’s charter. Interesting that Gwinnett did NOT sue the state last year, when GCPS lost students (but NOT funds) for “running an independent school system.”
2. Further, the suit ADMITS that no actual local revenues were paid by the state to Ivy. Therefore, on its face, the suit is groundless. The state did not usurp the authority of the Gwinnett BOE to levy and spend local taxes to manage its own school system. The state merely reduced the amount of STATE funds it CHOSE to send to Gwinnett. As it can do, legally, under the Georgia Constitution, which gives the state more authority for public education than it does local boards of education.
3. Finally, has anyone done the math to see how many teachers could be paid for by Gwinnett with the local funds GCPS is spending to sue the state over this matter?
Jennifer
September 15th, 2009
5:17 pm
RO GCPS – Go take a look at the underfunding for New Life.
Then tell us about the open selection and screening process for the Gwinnett Math and Science Program students (which by the way is charter law). That school is operating like a magnet school. I don’t think the intent of charter schools is to screen out student applicants – and I think most parents with public school students understand that is exactly what is being done.
X-Ivyparent
September 15th, 2009
6:23 pm
Plain and simple, Ivy Prep Academy would not need to ask for more funding if they were spending the money correctly. And if everyone that is a friend or family member of Nina Gilbert were not the treasure, or asssistant, or someway involved with the school, there would be more transparentcy. Someone really needs to check into there finances. Mabey some type of outside source.
Picky about Spelling especially on an Ed Blog
September 15th, 2009
7:00 pm
If your ability to spell and use proper syntax, X-Ivyparent, is any indication of your likely ability to judge financial mismanagement then I would suggest that all of your allegations regarding the school are empty. Seriously. In a blog regarding an educational institution, in order to be taken seriously in your allegations it would be helpful if your writing style didn’t suggest that you yourself barely made it out of 8th grade.
Very happy-Ivy Prep Dad
September 15th, 2009
7:14 pm
Narcissistic personality disorder
Overview
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which there is an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with one’s self.
Symptoms
A person with narcissistic personality disorder:
* Reacts to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
* Takes advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals
* Has feelings of self-importance
* Exaggerates achievements and talents
* Is preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
* Has unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
* Requires constant attention and admiration
* Disregards the feelings of others, lacks empathy
* Has obsessive self-interest
* Pursues mainly selfish goals
Treatment
Psychotherapy may help the affected person relate to others in a more positive and compassionate manner.
Causes
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Narcissistic personality disorder usually begins by early adulthood.
Tests & diagnosis
Personality disorders are diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms.
Prognosis
The outcome varies with the severity of the disorder.
Complications
* Relationship and family problems
* Alcohol or other drug dependence
X-Ivyparent please move on to the next chapter in your life.
X-Ivyparent
September 15th, 2009
9:07 pm
The 2 previous comments are by 2 parents that children currently attend Ivy Prep Academy and I bet are also good friends or relatives of Nina Gilbert. This is exactly what certain parents had to deal with when they brought concerns to the administration regarding things they did not agree with. Thank you so much for making it easy for me to make my point.
I wish you the best.
dear teacher
September 15th, 2009
9:10 pm
Very happy Ivy Dad,
You should be very ashamed of your self.
Very happy Ivy Prep Dad's Wife
September 15th, 2009
9:16 pm
Maureen D: Ivy Prep maximum enrollment for its first year was 160 scholars with growing waiting list. The school year end with about 139 scholars. Most of the reduction was a result of transportation issues, parent’s work-related issues (i.e. relocation), personal family issues and for some, it was just not the right fit. For my family, is the best choice!
Picky about Spelling especially on an Ed Blog
September 15th, 2009
9:38 pm
Don’t have a child at Ivy Prep. Have children in GCPS.
HOWEVER. Parents should have a choice and people that are willing to put themselves out there and put their own livelihoods on the line in order to start a Charter School should be commended and shown appreciation.
Thanks Nina (and in the interest of full disclosure… I don’t know her or anything about her).
Parent
September 15th, 2009
10:18 pm
Is the very happy Ivy Prep Dad the treasurer? Is the very happy Ivy Prep dad’s wife Nina Gilbert? Nina stop the blogging and both you and your husband get some rest so he can continue spending money ineffectively. Oh by the way as long as you can understand the information being read, typo’s on a blog is not critical. What is critical is the ineffective spending by Ivy Prep. Oh by the way, the X-Ivy Parent mom probably graduated from Ivy Prep but it was not approved by Gwinnett County but was guaranteed a scholarship to Princeton.
Parent
September 15th, 2009
10:39 pm
To Pickey about spelling: Parents should have a choice and people that are willing to put themselves out there and put their own livelihoods on the line in order to start a Charter School should be commended and shown appreciation. Your statement is correct. This is not the problem my dear. I do not disagree with you.
With that said, why don’t you either move in with Gilbert in her new home and have her pay your bills or have Gilbert move in with you and you pay her bills. There is nothing wrong with Charter schools and parents making a choice. Better yet, maybe you can camp out on the door steps of GCPS.
Parent
September 15th, 2009
11:24 pm
TO: Very Happy Ivy Prep Dad who truly appears to be very unhappy about his situation. Shame on you. Is this the Ivy Prep Culture? WOW…mmmmmm!!!
Picky about Spelling especially on an Ed Blog
September 15th, 2009
11:42 pm
Parent. You need to put down the glass of wine and go to bed. your rambling oratory is making no sense. I’d ask what you are talking about but I really don’t care. Weird. Just weird.
Parent
September 16th, 2009
11:16 am
It is a matter of not wanting to understand Picky Speller. Stop mismanaging the funds. If X-Ivy Parent is on point, $20,000 monthly for a building that was not being used is a waste of funds for a first year start up financially stricken charter school. The GCPS tax dollars should not be responsible for the school’s elaborate spending habits. Gwinnett made a decision not to approve. Gilbert and her Board went through the back door to get what they wanted. Ivy chastised the GCPS privately and publicly, yet want the county’s money. GCPS did not get funding for the students that went to Ivy Prep. When they flooded back to GCPS, GCPS still did not get any money for the children. They did not bother the Charter until the money for their children was interfered with.
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:06 pm
Lets get back on track
Issue #1 Mrs. Gilbert has constantly bashed the GCPS to the children and the parents that supported Ivy Prep. Why do you want to have funding from a county that you have described as being deficient and filled with gangs and poor educators. By the way now that my child is at a GCPS I see how wrong and inaccurate your statements were.
#2 Lets go back to when there was no fancy overpriced building. The girls were then at a local church. When there were issues like the girls were fighting, teacher screaming and degrading the girls. Mrs. Gilbert never dealt with the parents concerns. She made the parents feel that their child was lying whenever they informed their parents of what was going on at Ivy Prep
#3 Mrs. Gilbert said the girls were all getting brand new apple computers one for each child and then later tried to charge the parents for a computer she first said she was given to them for free!
#4 If you were in Mrs. Gilberts special clique or if your parent was a teacher at Ivy Prep you got speical treatment and even at times your grades were changed or you didnt get demerits like the rest of the class,
#5 When she said there was going to be a saturday program that happened maybe once or twice and that was by special invite only! But Mrs. Gilbert managed to open the school on a saturday morning to host a special taping of the Huckabee show and host a special girls enpowerment event sponsored by the Delta Sorority that none of the ivy prep scholars were invited to.
#6 The last hour of school was supposed to be used for enrichment and support for the girls in classes they needed help with and as the school year progressed by the November there was no enrichment or help and the girls did nothing while they were instructed to return to their homeroom.
#7 Lets talk about the inaugruration! You supposevily got enough free tickets from the huckabee show for seventy girls when you had over one hundred scholars. No only did you forget or care less as to why your other scholars couldnt afford to go the girls who didnt go were required to make a mural for the girls that were going and you took the last two hours of class for a week to have meetings with only the scholars who were going on the trip while the other scholars were told to work on a goodbye poster. Girls were crying and sad and Mrs. Gilbert did not look into or cared why a special event was not shared by all the scholars. Instead she used the remaining tickets for her family and friends! THEN MRS GILBERT DECIDED TO CLOSE THE SCHOOL FOR ADDITIONAL DAY FOR THE STUDENTS ON THE TRIP TO RETURN WHEN MORE THAN HALF THE STUDENTS DIDNT GO ON THE TRIP AND MORE THAN HALF OF THE FACULTY ALSO DIDNT GO. SO NOW EXPLAIN AGAIN HOW YOU NEED MORE MONEY TO TAKE HALF OF YOUR SMALL SCHOOL ON AN EXTRACURRICULAR TRIP AND LEAVE THE REST BACK WITHOUT SCHOOL INSTRUCTION FROM TEACHERS GETTING PAID NOT THE COME TO WORK AND PARENTS HAD TO FIQURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR CHILDREN. ALSO EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE RENTING A BUILDING WITH NO GYM NO CAFETERIA, BUT MARBLE FLOORS AND DESIGNER PAINT AND CUSTOM BATHROOMS WITH AUTOMATIC SOAP DISPENSERS AND A SIGN UP SHEET FOR THE GIRLS TO GO INTO THE BATHROOM BECAUSE MRS. GILBERT WAS AFRAID THAT THE GIRLS WOULD RUIN IT. PLEASE TELL ME! AND IF ONLY GWINNETT COUNTY KNEW THERES MORE THAT YOU WANT THEM TO PAY FOR
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:16 pm
Lets take it back to the beginning when the girls was in the church. When they were fighting what seemed to be everyday. Teacher were yell and degrading the girls. When the girls would inform there parents to what was going on Mrs. Gilbert would make it seem like the girls were lying!
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:22 pm
Or the fact that Mrs. Gilbert has put down the gwinnett county school system saying that they have gangs and inadequate teaching. A county that Mrs. Gilbert has put down time and time again to the girls as well as their parents and now Mrs. Gilbert wants that same county to fund her school.
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:25 pm
A school that has no cafeteria, no gym, no lockers but has marbel bathroom countertop and fancy soap dispensers.
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:30 pm
Parents were paying for private transportation to attend Ivy Prep but when Mrs. Gilbert shut the parents out that is when everything came to light. So please don’t make it seem like that is why a lot of the parents left. Girls were leaving their homes at 5am and coming home at 7pm to support Mrs. Gilbert and her school. Lets talk about when Mrs. Gilbert said that every scholar was getting a free apple computer and then later tried to charge the parents. When the parents couldn’t afford the payment Mrs. Gilbert was now asking for no matter how small the computers were then taken away from the girls.
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:38 pm
Lets talk about the inauguration! Why weren’t all the tickets given to all the girls! Mrs. Gilbert didn’t look into or care to what all her scholars was not sharing in such a special event. Maybe because the couldn’t afford what Mrs. Gilbert was asking the parents to pay for their child to go and Mrs. Gilbert was got going to use that extra money she received to make sure all the scholars went and when they got there why did they stay so far and the girls had to walk in the cold. They didn’t even particpate in the special events that were going on for kids!
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
8:54 pm
What happened to the extra hour the girls had everyday but friday for enrichment and support for the class they were struggling in?? That was taken away with no explanation to the girls or the parents. The Saturday support that only happened maybe once or twice by special invitation?? But Mrs. Gilbert was able to open the school on the weekend to put the girls on tv to get tickets. And lets not forget when Mrs. Gilbert closed the whole school for inauguration and not all the girls went!! Mrs. Gilbert had parents scrambling to find somewhere for their child to go because the school was closed and not all the teachers went either but I believe paid!! Does Obama no about that!!
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
9:09 pm
If someone wants to waste time and pick about spelling or try to put someone down so they feel more important then it is what it is. You need to be an opened minded person or are you that small of a person! If Gwinnett county was smart they should look into every gwinnett county school and find those girls that left Ivy Prep and ask why they came back. Everyone wants the best for their child. Parents tried to support Mrs. Gilbert and the dream she along with the bridge she was trying to sell. Everyone thought Ivy Prep was it! Slowly but surely they realize it was not and took a chance and went back to the Gwinnett county school system and found out that it wasn’t as bad as Mrs. Gilbert made it out to be. Believe me when they find out the truth about Ivy Prep spelling wont be a factor!!
should have not even bothered
September 16th, 2009
9:27 pm
So if you want to waste time on talking about a persons spelling, trying to put people down to make yourself feel more important then that is on you! All I have to say is if Gwinnett County was smart they would find all those girls that left Ivy Prep and find out why their parents took them out? As parents we all want the best for our children. To say it was not the right fit to me is saying those parents dont’t want the best for their child! Parents did believe Mrs. Gilbert’s dream and the bridge she was selling. It was at a point were parents believed so much in Mrs. Gilbert they were doubt what their girls was telling them about Ivy Prep! They woke up and realized what was more important and took a chance and went back to Gwinnett County public schools and realized it was not as bad as Mrs. Gilbert made it out to be.Believe me if Gwinnett County did it’s homework spelling would be the least of their concerns!! The Truth would shine brighter!!
Very happy Ivy Prep Dad
September 16th, 2009
10:56 pm
The Friedman Foundation
For Educational Choice
The origins of public schools lie in the belief that they bring learning and opportunity to all and ensure a stable democracy.
If this were true, then there might not be a need for school choice.
But it’s not. Public schools are as segregated as ever. Children, particularly children in urban areas, are dropping out in record numbers and are getting a quality of education that depends more on where they live than on what they can learn. Parents, unless they can move or pay private school tuition, have little choice about the kind of education their children receive.
Public schooling is simply a monopoly that doesn’t fulfill the ideals of our founding fathers. The tragic irony is that the dream envisioned by the founders of our public education system is actually increasing the stratification of society and failing to provide equal educational opportunity.
In 1955, a forward-thinking Milton Friedman foresaw the result of this monopoly and encouraged a return to liberty through the introduction of school choice. He argued that it would be much better and more equitable if the government would “give each child, through his parents, a specified sum [voucher] to be used solely in paying for his general education.”
The benefits of this idea, which has come to be known as school choice, are numerous. Studies show that school choice leads to better test scores for all students and higher graduation rates. They show that parents are more satisfied and involved with their child’s school, and that school choice saves taxpayers millions of dollars. And they show that public schools respond positively to competition.
But beyond the theory, what lies at the heart of school choice is a family’s freedom to choose. It is about the child in the back of the classroom who is not getting what he needs in his assigned public school. It is about the student who just doesn’t feel comfortable at her current school. It is about the family that simply wants a different option.
In the end, the goal of education is to ensure learning and guarantee a free society and stable democracy. These goals are better met when all parents are free to choose the school that works best for their child.
So, why school choice? In a word, liberty.
http://www.friedmanfoundation.org/Welcome.do
jim d
September 17th, 2009
6:06 am
should not have been bothered prolly one of Alvins flunkies dispensing false information. GCPS is noted ffor doing that on blogs
IvyPrepSupporter
September 17th, 2009
9:11 am
Some of these comments are so ignorant and show the lack of economic sense and research these readers make. There are a significant number of Gwinnett parents whose daughters attend this school, and who are law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. Their tax dollars should be directly associated with the public school they attend. Past community leaders worked for greater opportunities for all students, and weren’t satisfied with “good” when “excellent” was within reach. Our Gwinnett community supported an alternative school for their girls which provides values reflected in their homes and their dedication to the prospect that every child deserves to reach her full potential. Look at the test scores, the core values of the school, academics, highly trained staff and curriculum, as well as the leader of this school. The first year, they had very little money and still surpassed all of Georgia in its testing. There is a long waiting list of girls across Atlanta whose parents are pushing for their daughters to attend this school. They travel as far as Jonesboro, Peachtree City, Kennesaw and yes, all over Gwinnett County. To deny these students is despicable and deplorable. For anyone to sue this public charter school for providing excellence is shameful, at most!!
Current Ivy Prep Parent
September 17th, 2009
3:16 pm
I am a current Ivy Prep and I have been for the past two years. I LOVE Ivy Prep. Ivy Prep does wonders for its students. Let me just speak on behalf of my child. My child has been part of Gwinnett County school system since grade K. I have not been pleased with the district every since. Because of that I elected to send my child to Ivy Prep and my other children to another local charter school. My child did not pass the CRCT 4 grade and 5 grade and had to attend summer school every year. But not when she started at Ivy Prep and let me remind you, she is a Special Ed student. This past year my child passed the CRCT and did not have to attend summer school for the first time in years. My child finally enjoys going to school and is talking about college. She NEVER enjoyed school. It just angers me that a district would try and shut down a school that is doing wonders for students and has some of the highest scores in the state. If you dont believe me check it for your self. Parents should have the right to chose where our children go to school and why should my tax paying dollars not follow my child where she is being educated. I love ivy Prep and I hope more people will start to realize what a great school it is. Parents who left last year were poison to the school and not good people at all and tried to keep up mess within our parent community. I do not believe at all that Ivy Prep mismanaged funds. If that was the case I am sure that would have been reported by now. My child did not attend the trip to DC because we could not afford it within our finances. Of course she could not pay for every child to go to DC. Matter of fact she paid for none. They used to money to make the trip cheaper for those who went. What other school you know you can go on a trip to DC for 3 days and everything included for only 200. As I said before, I am a happy parent at Ivy Prep. and to tell you the truth I can ID some of these parents who are unhappy just by their comments because these were the same people that was trying to poison the parent community with their lies. To tell you the truth tis year is 100% better because they school has learned from their mistakes in their first year and all the negative parents are gone. I was tired of receiving negative emails from unhappy parents. And you are right, mrs. gilbert did say a lot it was a school of choice. You chose to send your child to ivy prep and take them out. Good for you! It is a school of choice and sometimes it wasnt a good fit for some people. But its a perfect fit for a lot of people. To tell you the truth not a lot of students left. Im part of the PTSA and I see at least 80% of the same faces from last year.
should have not even bothered
September 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
I’m glad you are enjoying yourself and no one is trying to take that fom you. The DC Mrs. Gilbert received extra money. The tickets was free. God only knows what spent the money on but she says sheh bought blankets and other things the girls could of brought on their own. She made the public believe that all the girls went when that was not the case. Some kids went with their families because they could not afford to pay what Ivy Prep was asking the parents to pay out. Even though the girls wents with their families Mrs. Gilbert could had the girls meet them so at least the child could attend! After all the ticket were for the girls. Mrs. Gilbert told them NO!
should have not even bothered
September 17th, 2009
3:54 pm
You can call the parents negative all you want but the truth is maybe some people are not willing to sacrifice their childs happinest for a person that has not been honest. If Mrs. Gilbert had been honest she would of had more support! People believed in her that is why parents were paying hundreds of dollars to have their child attend her school even during these hard time. Parents were getting donations for her to support the school again even durnig these hard times. So before you start name calling and belittling yourself lets be adults here. To call someone negative because of what they went thur shows alot about you! As I said just because things went well for you not everyone felt the way you did and are entitled to their feeling and opuinion. I am happy that you had such a good experience because after all it’s not about you or Mrs. Gilbert it about what these girls get out of it…. an education! Bringing ourselves down to name calling as I’ve seen in some of these comments make me wonder who is the parent and who is the child!
should have not even bothered
September 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
I don’t know about you but I would do anything for my child. I would climb any mountian, swim any sea but what I would not do is have my child degraded like when Mrs. Gilbert told the girls to look at each other because “some of ya’ll did’n't know jack”. My child Jack and Jill and a whole lot if Mrs. Gilbert would of taken the time to get know some of these girls like she said she would instead of a selected few. Sorry I had to add a little humor to th is because this is all a joke. Yes the first year was a lot. but again if she would of been honest with parents things could of have been better. Communication goes a long way. I didn’t have my child for Mrs. Gilbert and whether at Ivy Prep or somewhere else my child happiest, education overall view of life is what matters. I have to make sure the people I place in her life are positive, thoughtful, teaching and willing to help prepare her for what the world is really like! Not to lie to her! Give her things and then take it away! Not to make her feel ashamed! Make her doubt herself! Not to make her feel ashamed because her family can’t provide some of the things other families may be able too! Just to name a few. Some girls experienced this and more! So what do you say to girls? Are they negative and ignorant too? You can’t comment or cover up on what someone went thru. That’s not fair!
So am I negative too??
September 17th, 2009
4:46 pm
I had a negative experience at Ivy Prep! So does that make me a bad parent too?
Current Ivy Prep Parent
September 17th, 2009
8:24 pm
Your child experienced this not my child. Honestly, it was not too bad of an experience for a lot of the girls because only a hand full of girls ended up leaving the school and many families stayed. After all its for the children. What about the children? These children are happy and are learning! A lot of the statements made about what Mrs. Gilbert said are not true and you have to sit back and think about was some of that taken out of context and twisted by the time it made it back to parents. I doubt seriously that Mrs. Gilbert made a lot of those comments to the students. It all boils down to parents having a choice to send their children where ever they want to send them. At one point you believed that you should have the right to send your child where ever you want to because your child was attending Ivy at one point. But because of your bad experience, dont make the school look like its a horrible place for children and that it should be shout down. Because as I said before, only a few left and many stayed for the 2nd year and we are enjoying it and we see improvement with communication and every problem we had last year. And no just because you had a negative experience does not make you a bad parent. But please also realize just because you and a few others had bad experiences doesnt make the school a bad place. Heck Gwinnett county has a lot of parents unhappy but it doesnt mean its a bad place. No one is going to be 100% happy with anything or nothing will ever have 100% satisfaction from all parties involved. But it doesnt make it a bad place. Remember this all boils down to the children and the right to be able to choose! If the school is showing students are achieving at high numbers, and the students and parents are happy as a whole. Keep it open. There are schools in Gwinnett county that have been around for years that are not able to accomplish what Ivy has done in one year, but I dont see people or the district talking about shutting them down and parents are unhappy at those schools as well and some of those schools have high crime rates and etc.
Yes the tickets were free, but dont you think that the students needed to eat, stay in a hotel and have a ride to and from DC and while they were in DC? Im sure all of that cost more than what mrs. gilbert received as an award. Heck, the award money was for mrs gilbert not the school. She made the decision to give it back to the school and she did not have to do that. So lets stop bashing the school leader and start looking at the facts. Seems like you were/are not happy with Mrs. Gilbert but you can not deny the hard work of the school and the staff over there.
Current Ivy Prep Parent
September 17th, 2009
8:25 pm
_Your child experienced this not my child. Honestly, it was not too bad of an experience for a lot of the girls because only a hand full of girls ended up leaving the school and many families stayed. After all its for the children. What about the children? These children are happy and are learning! A lot of the statements made about what Mrs. Gilbert said are not true and you have to sit back and think about was some of that taken out of context and twisted by the time it made it back to parents. I doubt seriously that Mrs. Gilbert made a lot of those comments to the students. It all boils down to parents having a choice to send their children where ever they want to send them. At one point you believed that you should have the right to send your child where ever you want to because your child was attending Ivy at one point. But because of your bad experience, dont make the school look like its a horrible place for children and that it should be shout down. Because as I said before, only a few left and many stayed for the 2nd year and we are enjoying it and we see improvement with communication and every problem we had last year. And no just because you had a negative experience does not make you a bad parent. But please also realize just because you and a few others had bad experiences doesnt make the school a bad place. Heck Gwinnett county has a lot of parents unhappy but it doesnt mean its a bad place. No one is going to be 100% happy with anything or nothing will ever have 100% satisfaction from all parties involved. But it doesnt make it a bad place. Remember this all boils down to the children and the right to be able to choose! If the school is showing students are achieving at high numbers, and the students and parents are happy as a whole. Keep it open. There are schools in Gwinnett county that have been around for years that are not able to accomplish what Ivy has done in one year, but I dont see people or the district talking about shutting them down and parents are unhappy at those schools as well and some of those schools have high crime rates and etc.
Yes the tickets were free, but dont you think that the students needed to eat, stay in a hotel and have a ride to and from DC and while they were in DC? Im sure all of that cost more than what mrs. gilbert received as an award. Heck, the award money was for mrs gilbert not the school. She made the decision to give it back to the school and she did not have to do that. So lets stop bashing the school leader and start looking at the facts. Seems like you were/are not happy with Mrs. Gilbert but you can not deny the hard work of the school and the staff over there. _
Happy Current Ivy Prep Parent
September 17th, 2009
8:26 pm
Your child experienced this not my child. Honestly, it was not too bad of an experience for a lot of the girls because only a hand full of girls ended up leaving the school and many families stayed. After all its for the children. What about the children? These children are happy and are learning! A lot of the statements made about what Mrs. Gilbert said are not true and you have to sit back and think about was some of that taken out of context and twisted by the time it made it back to parents. I doubt seriously that Mrs. Gilbert made a lot of those comments to the students. It all boils down to parents having a choice to send their children where ever they want to send them. At one point you believed that you should have the right to send your child where ever you want to because your child was attending Ivy at one point. But because of your bad experience, dont make the school look like its a horrible place for children and that it should be shout down. Because as I said before, only a few left and many stayed for the 2nd year and we are enjoying it and we see improvement with communication and every problem we had last year. And no just because you had a negative experience does not make you a bad parent. But please also realize just because you and a few others had bad experiences doesnt make the school a bad place. Heck Gwinnett county has a lot of parents unhappy but it doesnt mean its a bad place. No one is going to be 100% happy with anything or nothing will ever have 100% satisfaction from all parties involved. But it doesnt make it a bad place. Remember this all boils down to the children and the right to be able to choose! If the school is showing students are achieving at high numbers, and the students and parents are happy as a whole. Keep it open. There are schools in Gwinnett county that have been around for years that are not able to accomplish what Ivy has done in one year, but I dont see people or the district talking about shutting them down and parents are unhappy at those schools as well and some of those schools have high crime rates and etc.
Yes the tickets were free, but dont you think that the students needed to eat, stay in a hotel and have a ride to and from DC and while they were in DC? Im sure all of that cost more than what mrs. gilbert received as an award. Heck, the award money was for mrs gilbert not the school. She made the decision to give it back to the school and she did not have to do that. So lets stop bashing the school leader and start looking at the facts. Seems like you were/are not happy with Mrs. Gilbert but you can not deny the hard work of the school and the staff over there.
NewParent
September 18th, 2009
12:48 am
My child started at Ivy Prep this year and I have to say that we got off to a very hard start. She is coming from a GCPS and she had alot of catching up to do. Right now we are still failing 2 classes. To me that is actually a good thing. That means that she is finally being challenged. That means that Ivy Prep is making her be responsible for her work and responsible for catching up. I like that. Personal responsibility is very important. I have no doubt that her grades will be fine by the end of the year. I don’t measure my childs progress by each and every progress report or report card, I measure it by that last report card and by how much she has improved overall throughout the year. I already see a huge improvement. Ivy Prep does have some minor issues that need to be addressed. But let’s remember that they are new and they need time. I’m willing to give them the time that they need as long as the academics are there. Everything else will work itsself out. I’ll help worry about the running of the school as long as the teachers worry about running the classroom. I’m here for them until they prove to me that they are not worthy. Right now, they are worthy of my support and they have it 150%.
Once upon a Time Ivy Parent
September 18th, 2009
10:26 am
Current Ivy Prep Parent is something wrong with your computer ? Your communication keeps repeating itself. Please check your system.
So am I negative too??
September 18th, 2009
11:48 am
Current Ivy Parent as it was stated before by someone else I am happy for you as well that things are working out for you and your child but you can’t speak for everyone! I didn’t have a good experenice at all! There were time I wondered what did I do by sending my child to Ivy Prep! Comments were made about me behind my back and to my face because I was not understand what was going on and wanted support for my child from Mrs. Gilbert and the teachers at Ivy Prep. This is not to say about all because some of my child childs teachers she loved at Ivy Prep. I was present when Mrs. Gilbert made comments about other parents which made me think “wow what does she say about me when I’m not around”? I felt like I need to part of the special club to get the support for my child and it did work but I wasn’t going to be fake anymore. I’m a mother like a lot of mothers that want the best for there child. I supported Mrs. Gilbert with a full heart and I was disappointed that I had to make the choice I made and leave Ivy Prep. Everyone wants to blame the parents that left but you trying to tell me nothing happened there?? No yelling at the girls from teacher, demerits for stuff that made no sense, no fighting, they had saturday class, after school enrichment just to name a few? I mean I can go on and on but you can’t act like nothing every happened and what some people went thru never happened. If nothing happened at with you then GREAT! Its not about being a good fit! It’s school! It’s about education! I feel like people are missing the point. Come on now we are parents not childen and it’s our job to guide and teach our children. So don’t fault someone for not having the wonderful time you did. I take my child’s education as important as I feel you do. I won’t even belittle myself to name calling and degrading other parents to make a point because I don’t think the bigger picture is being looked out. That is all I have to say! Thank you for the opportunity to hopefully get my point across. I wish you continue success!
New To Ivy Prep
September 18th, 2009
12:48 pm
I have read every comment posted here and apparently this issue has everyone fired up and ready to go! I think its great that we are having a dialogue about something that is so important which is our children’s education. It saddens me that as adults when we disagree we let our emotions rule our thoughts and the words we direct at one another. What example are we displaying to our children on BOTH sides of the issue when grown-ups are unable to discuss an issue and find COMMON ground. My children have attended GCPS since kindergarten and over the last several years there were many instances I wasn’t happy about everything that went on there. At the same token Ivy Prep has some areas it can improve in as well. Perfect schools public or private don’t exist. If it doesn’t fit and if you are able to make a change.
New To Ivy Prep
September 18th, 2009
1:20 pm
I chose Ivy Prep because I like the Charter school model and particularly because it’s an all girls school along with uniforms being required. Middle school can be a difficult time for young ladies and I believe the opportunity to focus on high quality learning and not who is wearing what and boys will work better for my family.
Once upon a Time Ivy Parent
September 18th, 2009
2:01 pm
Current Ivy Prep Mom: More than a handful left Ivy the first year. Check the GCPS records. More than a handful came in the first quarter and was not a part of the lottery. Some of those parents also left. Yes these negative comments was made by Gilbert made to the children and the parents as stated
by should have not even bothered
I cannot speak much for the ticket thing. I was told one thing about the trip and the plans but read and heard something totally different in the media. I just know the whole thing was handled poorly and unprofessionally. I was disgusted by the way Gilbert handled and the comments she made to parents later when asked why. The parents who are desperate, will do whatever it takes to ignore. I do understand.
I do not have a problem with parents choosing Ivy a State Approved School. They should have a right to the choice. GCPS should also have a right to their choice. Why is GCPS being forced to participate into Ivy’s plan. Ivy should leave the GCPS funds alone. The funds does not belong to Ivy. The funds belongs to GCPS. Ivy now shares the same bank with you. Go ahead and call the government and have them reroute your 2009 tax refund to Ivy, .
My child who was a straight A student and excelled at Ivy and since her return to GCPS she is being served very well. From day 1, GCPS worked very hard to get her the extra help needed to get her caught up academically. I want to see the GCPS funds stay with them. They have offered my child so much more opportunity. I believe everyone is working very hard for our children. Ivy was not approved by Gwinnett County. Ivy is not a Gwinnett County Approved School, but dpes reside in Gwinnett. Why are they are they getting Gwinnett County school funds.. .
When I was introduced to Ivy, I was misled by Ivy that the GCP Middle School was a horrible place. When I was leaving I remember Gilbert tried forcing me to stay. Gilbert locked me in her office and threatened that we could never come back. I was threatened that GCPS was a terrible mistake and unsafe for my child. She would not accept my withdrawal. Nothing Gilbert said could make me stay. I went to my home school asked for help to leave Ivy. They faxed over the paper work to the school. I never returned to Ivy. GCPS had nothing negative to say when I left and they welcomed us back with open arms. This is why I do not understand why Ivy wants money from the GCPS. I believe in the right to choose. I made the best choice, you made the best choice, Ivy made the best choice and GCPS made the best choice Leave the county’s money alone. The monies belong to the children of GCPS. I am 500% satisfied with GCPS that is because I made a choice.. Wish Ivy the Best.
Once upon a Time Ivy Parent
September 18th, 2009
2:30 pm
Current Ivy Prep Mom: More than a handful left Ivy the first year. Check the GCPS records. More than a handful came in the first quarter and was not a part of the lottery. Some of those parents also left. Yes these negative comments was made by Gilbert made to the children and the parents as stated
by should have not even bothered
I cannot speak much for the ticket thing. I was told one thing about the trip and the plans but read and heard something totally different in the media. I just know the whole thing was handled poorly and unprofessionally. I was disgusted by the way Gilbert handled and the comments she made to parents later who had concerns,. The parents who are desperate, will do whatever it takes to ignore and look the other way, ‘when you feel you have limited choices, I do understand..
I do not have a problem with parents choosing Ivy a State Approved School. I did.. They should have a right to the choice. GCPS should also have a right to their choice. Why is GCPS being forced into Ivy. The funds do not not belong to Ivy. The funds belongs to GCPS. Ivy now shares the same bank with you. Go ahead and call the government and have them reroute your 2009 tax refund to Ivy, .
My child who was a straight A student and excelled at Ivy and since her return to GCPS she is being served very well with opportunities I did not know existed in middle school. From day one, GCPS worked very hard to get her the extra help needed to get her caught up academically. I want to see the GCPS funds stay with them. They have offered my child so much opportunity. I believe everyone is working very hard for our children. The bottom line is that Ivy was not approved by Gwinnett County. Ivy is not a Gwinnett County Approved School, but does reside in Gwinnett by choice. .. .
When I was introduced to Ivy, I was misled by Ivy to believe that the GCP Middle Schools was a horrible place. When I was leaving Gilbert tried forcing me to stay. Gilbert locked me in her office and threatened that we could never come back. I was threatened that GCPS was a terrible mistake and unsafe for my child. She would not accept my withdrawal. Nothing Gilbert said could make me stay. I went to my home school asked for help to leave Ivy. They faxed over the paper work to the school. I never returned to Ivy. GCPS had nothing negative to say when I left and when I returned, they welcomed us back with open arms. I do not understand why Ivy wants money from the GCPS. I believe in the right to choose. I made the best choice, you made the best choice, Ivy made the best choice and GCPS made the best choice. I am 500% satisfied with GCPS that is because I made a choice.. I Wish Ivy the Best.
Once upon a Time Ivy Parent
September 18th, 2009
2:46 pm
New to Ivy Prep:
I think you chose Ivy Prep for all the same reasons I initially chose Ivy. There is nothing wrong with your choice to choose Ivy. This is a matter of the Law is the Law.
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You do have a choice to choose.
Very Happy Ivy Prep Dad
September 18th, 2009
3:49 pm
“In the end, the goal of education is to ensure learning and guarantee a free society and stable democracy. These goals are better met when all parents are free to choose the school that works best for their child.
So, why school choice? In a word, liberty.”
Stand up…Speak up…Show up…for our Girls…Your Voice Matters!
New To Ivy Prep
September 18th, 2009
4:02 pm
My child attended GCPS since kindergarten and has been under an IEP since 3rd grade. This past spring even though she didn’t pass the CRCT she wasn’t allowed to attend summer school because the space had to be given to a student not under an IEP! My concern was any child that needed summer school should have been allowed to attend. I transferred my child to Ivy this year and BECAUSE of the after school enrichment along with 2 periods of math instruction DAILY she is grasping the concepts better than when she attended GCPS. Now how does a school with a minute fraction of the GCPS budget accomplish this? Maybe Gwinnett needs to take a look at this school model. At the end of the day as parents we want our children to be successful, productive, and academically prepared to meet the increasingly complex challenges of tomorrow. What sense does it make for our children to graduate HS unprepared for the rigors of college and life? Just ask any professor who has to teach some of these kids coming out of HS totally unprepared. Sadly, we then wonder why the US is falling behind other countries in producing the best and the brightest. For the vast majority of Americans that are unable to afford private school to thoroughly equip their children public school is the only option. The public school methods of teaching/inspiring our children MUST change.
My kid/ My Money/ My choice
September 18th, 2009
8:54 pm
As a Gwinnett County Resident whose child attends Ivy Prep Why should my money go to educating your child and not my own. Are you going to reduce my taxes. This money is spent per pupil it is not some arbitrary number pulled out of the sky. It is the exact figure alloted for a child that GCPS is not serving.The GCPSS is not servicing the children who attend Ivy, yet you believe that they should keep my money for your children. In the end it is about educating children and If Ivy is successfully doing this why are we standing in the way. You can’t possible expect for the state of Georgia to compete in education and we are not willing to support alternative forms of education.
Parent
September 18th, 2009
9:40 pm
I agree. you have a right to choose, I have a right to choose, Ivy has the right to choose, GCPS has the right to choose.
If you have a student at Ivy Prep Academy located in Norcross, GA (Gwinnett County) then you were given the choice to have your child attend by Gilbert, her Board of Directors, the State, the Charter Board. GPCS did not stop you from choosing . That is because you had a right to choose. Gilbert chose to open her school without local approval.. I have not heard anything that says parents attending Ivy Prep Academy did not have a right to choose. .. ..
Your choice does not give you the right to violate the Law and then cover it up with the word choice.
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NewParent
September 18th, 2009
11:57 pm
@ Parent: Again you must understand that we dont want any money that does not belong to our children. We are not asking for GCPS to give us anything. We know better than that. We are asking them to put the money where the children attend school. My child does not attend a GCPS so they do not deserve the money reserved for My child!!
Think about it this way, GCPS gets funds for the children in their schools, if I move to Texas then GCPS would no longer get the money for my child. If I move to Alpharetta, GCPS no longer get the money for my child. The reason being, my child is no longer a part of their school system. So, if I choose to put my child at Ivy Prep, she still is not a part of their school system and she is not actually sitting in their classrooms, using their books or eating their nasty lunches. So, why then should they get HER money? If one of you can answer that question, in a reasonable way then maybe I’ll listen to you. The school that is teaching my child should get the money for my child.