The following is a recap of the Rocklin School District’s Public Hearing, held on December 19, 2007, for the granting of a charter for the Western Sierra Collegiate Academy Charter School (WSCA).  I will provide the recap by the political players.

1.      Congressman John Doolittle sent a letter to the Rocklin School Board urging them to support the charter.

2.      I read a letter from Congressional Candidate Charlie Brown.  Mr. Brown urged the Rocklin School Board to support the charter.

3.      Assemblyman Ted “in my pocket” Gaines was the only local politician to actually make a public statement to the board.  He also urged the board to support the charter.  I will give “In My Pocket” credit for making a public appearance at the board meeting.  However, was his statement made to score political points?  He knew JTD was going to support the charter.  I am sure he was told Charlie Brown supports the charter.  There was a rumor that Eric Hogue was going to attend.  Eric may have been there but failed to speak.  Knowing “In My Pocket’s,” character, I am sure his speech was made for political points only.  I am sure he did not want to be left out in the cold by not supporting the charter.  One must remember that “In My Pocket” is the one that was instrumental in getting the 3 anti-charter school candidates elected last November.

4.      Rocklin School Board Member Steve Paul – The “Grand Poobah” showed his ignorance by not asking 1 question after the Western Sierra Collegiate Academy presentation and public comments.  The “Grand Poobah” was just his natural self.  Five years on the school board and still comes to meetings unprepared and without reading his board package.

5.      Rocklin School Board Member Todd Lowell – The “slick attorney” was a slick as he could be.  He harassed Dr. Dave Patterson for not spelling out why WSCA would be different than taking AP classes at either of the 2 Rocklin high schools.  Dr. Patterson tried to answer the question numerous times but tried to be politically correct each time.  He should of said parents want another option of where to send there kids to for grades 7 – 12.  He did say some parents prefer a small school.  The “slick attorney” did not think that was good enough.  The “slick attorney” thought he knows what is best for all of Rocklin families when it comes to educating their kids. 

6.      Rocklin School Board Member Camille Maben – The very nice and polite Ms Maben showed how liberal she really is.  This is a school to prepare kids for a top rated colleges.  Students may also attend who do not want to go to college but want an advanced high school education in a small school environment.  While WSCA will have an open enrollment policy, the school will not be for every student.  Ms Maben was more concerned with lowering the standards, than raising standards.  Remember American students have fallen way behind other industrialized countries in most academic areas.  Ms. Maben does not want to really challenge our kids to achieve the highest standards possible.  Ms Maben is a supporter of the wrestling team at Rocklin High School.  Should we lower the wrestling standards so everyone can make the team?  Should we lower the football standards so everyone can make the team?  Should we play the weak players so everyone has an opportunity?  I do not think any Rocklin or Whitney High School coach would loose a game just to satisfy everyone getting equal playing time.  Ms. Maben, why are academics different?

7.      Rocklin School Board Member Greg Daley – Mr. “I don’t understand” Daley was asking questions about English Language Learners at Rocklin Academy.  I am not sure what that had to do with the WSCA charter.  Maybe Mr. “I don’t understand” was reading from another board package.  Give him credit.  At least he reads a board package.  That is quite different than the “Grand Poobah” not reading any board package.

8.      Rocklin School Board Member Wendy Lang – I am going to remove “the deer in the headlights” from her name.  The “nice” Ms Lang did ask some good questions.  But remember she through in the towel with the  “Grand Poobah.” and the “slick attorney” during last year’s election.  Without their money Wendy Lang would of not been elected.  While Ms Lang seems like a nice person, she comprised her principals just to get elected.  Maybe she will break away from the grip of the “Grand Poobah.” and the “slick attorney” and support the charter agreement.

9.      Rocklin City Councilman Scott Yuill – Mr. “empty suite” Yuill is a so-called advisor to the WSCA.  Mr. “empty suite” did not even attend the meeting.  It is obvious that this empty suite is your standard politician that talks out of both sides of his mouth with a big smile.

10.  The Rest of the Rocklin City Council – This group would not even lend their support to the charter.  It is not surprising since they all supported the entire anti-charter school board.  This group can also be considered a bunch of empty suites, plus one empty skirt.  If the WSCA were approved, the City Council would have bragging rights to a top school in their city.  I know of a business that is in the local area that does work with the Defense Department and would consider moving to Rocklin.  This company is looking to purchase a building and employees 24 PhDs and continues to grow.  However, this company will not even consider Rocklin, if the Rocklin School Board turns down the charter for the WSCA.  24 PhDs get paid a nice salary.  Seems like the empty suites and the empty skirt on the Rocklin City Council would prefer to add another pizza joint and nail salon than a high tech company that pays high wages.