Parents, students vent over Lincoln charter school closure
LINCOLN, CA - The room was packed when Horizon Charter School officials tried to explain to angry parents and students Friday why classes are being discontinued at the Sacramento campus.
Horizon, headquartered in Placer County, has operated charter schools in Lincoln, Roseville and South Sacramento for years.
The agency's CEO LuAnn Boone said the school's Sacramento site wasn't in compliance with state law.
"In order to have facilities established outside of Placer County, 50 percent of the students have to reside in that county," Boone explained. Most of the 150 students who attend classes at the Stockton Boulevard location are from Sacramento County.
Boone said that's why the charter agency decided to suspend classes and have students work online or meet their teachers at various locations, such as their homes and coffee shops.
She pointed out that no more than three students could meet at a time because that would be considered a class and a violation of state law.
Parents and students told Boone with only four weeks left in the school year, they don't like the idea.
"I've been in independent study," said Tatyana Rust. "It works for some kids, but for me, I like the social interaction with teachers and students. If they wanted independent study, most of the kids here would be in independent study."
"I think it's ridiculous," said Dave Gardner, who has four children at the school. "I think it's ridiculous to tell teachers they're going to do this. They're going to be running all over the place to get to students."
Boone maintained it's the best school officials can construct on short notice. "We looked at all the options and we believe in the best long-term interest of the school this is what needs to be done,