Charter School Committee urges earlier workshops
Published in The Islander News August 21, 2008
CHARLOTTE MILLER. cmiller@islandernews.com
According to Key Biscayne Charter High School Committee chairman Angel Martin, postponing Charter School workshops with consultants until December is a bad idea.
A special meeting was called in July for the Council to approve the Charter Application. At that time, discussion led by Vice Mayor Jorge Mendia and supported by Mayor Robert Vernon favored beginning workshops in December.
"December is not the time to conduct workshops when important decisions have to be made," said Martin, noting December is the time when families are making holiday and vacation plans. "We just can't waste another three months,"
At the time, Vice Mayor Mendia said with budget issues to attend to, and new Council members to seat, there would be no time to fit Charter School workshops into a Council agenda.
Martin maintains if there is any chance of opening the Charter School in 2009, then workshops with consultants must begin soon. Certain things like location, facility design and governance require Council input.
"The sooner the better," said Martin. "This is not rushing things. If we are ready [by 2009] — perfect; if not, we still have done the work."
In the meantime, Martin and the Charter School Committee members are ramping up with a series of informational sessions on their own. These sessions, the first of which was held Wednesday, August 20, are aimed at keeping the public informed about the process.
"Community members can come to the sessions, see the application, see the budget, offer ideas and ask questions," said Martin.
Martin explained for the most part, those few opposed the. Charter School are misinformed. These sessions will serve to quell that misinformation.
"Some believe the taxpayers will be paying for the whole thing," said Martin. "What they don't know is that a lot of the money we pay out to the County will be coming back to us."
Others believe the school will be open to the general population. "We will not be importing kids," said Martin.
"Our kids are not given a chance to develop a life here," said Martin. "The community is changing."
Martin, who is the father of two school-aged children and a grown daughter, is passionate about the Charter School effort. His nomination as Chair of the Key Biscayne Charter High School Committee is one takes seriously. Martin, who is currently on sabbatical, said he is fortunate to have time to devote to the cause.
Martin has followed the process Charter School development closely for number of years. His wife; Monica Steinmuller, worked on the Virginia Key Charter. School project.
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