Patrick Henry Fires Back at RPS with Facts

Earlier today I posted about School Board Chair, Kim Bridges’ letter to Patrick Henry School parents. This afternoon Sharon Burton PHSSA president has taken the time to respond point by point to the “issues” that Bridges brings up. The full letter can be found here and should be read so that you can understand Sharon Burton’s background. I’ll highlight just a few of those points below.

• Ms. Bridges states that PHSSA committed to raise $300,000 in the 2010-2011 school year, and we failed to do that. Again, I must respectfully disagree. In a letter dated October 13, 2010, we explained how the school had raised $463,000 in grants and donations for FY 2010 – 11. The letter goes on to explain how PHSSA is anticipating a surplus at the end of the operating year to use for debt services.

• Ms. Bridges makes reference to a “second loan” to have enough funds to complete the Phase 1 construction. Unfortunately, Ms. Bridges omits the full context of that loan. The second loan for construction is a short-term bridge loan until PHSSA receives funds from the Historic Tax credits related to the renovations. These tax credits have always been included in the projected budget for the Phase 1 renovations. The PHSSA Board anticipates carrying about $100,000 in bridge loan for a maximum of six months until the tax credits are received.

Then there is the matter of curriculum.

• Mrs. Bridges states “RPS administrators are now working with PHSSA teachers to develop a curriculum by July 2012.” This statement may give the false impression that RPS administrators are assisting us with writing the curriculum, which is not the case. PHSSA’s interim principals are providing leadership with writing the curriculum, and. PHSSA staff is working in teams to develop the curriculum in a format in which RPS is familiar. The teachers have been using some off the shelf curricula mixed with their own innovative and creative ideas – all based on the SOLs. PHSSA will be using its curriculum as a model for other schools in the State that wish to bring together scientific investigation and arts. The method of writing and teaching, experimenting and changing the curriculum is common in innovative and progressive educational environments. The Albemarle Community Public Charter School follows a similar model.

• At our last State of the School meeting, which was held Dec. 6th, our interim principal told the parents that the curriculum is being implemented and the children are learning in the way the charter states. Additionally, our teachers are dedicated to this method of teaching, which is why they were drawn to our school. That PHSSA has delivered on its commitment to institute an innovative and effective science and arts curriculum is perhaps best demonstrated by the school’s results as shown in its test scores.

Finally I’ll wrap up with President Burton’s conclusion because it also sums up how this parent and PHSSA volunteer feels.

As should be expected with any new endeavor, PHSSA has had challenges in its short existence, but it has met and overcome each challenge with hard work and commitment from a volunteer board, staff, and parents. Again, the PHSSA Board strongly disagrees with the criticisms in Ms. Bridges’ letter, and we deeply regret the difficult relationship and adversarial tone that the School Board has chosen to take. The PHSSA Board remains committed, however, to continue to work with the School Board and RPS to meet the challenges in Ms. Bridges’ letter in the same way we have met the challenges that have come before.

If you would like to let the School Board know how you feel please reach out to them. Contact information including what district you are in can be found here.