Mike Matsuda’s statement
Mike Matsuda is the superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District. Here is his recent statement to the Orange County Board of Education regarding the Epic Charter, which delivers most of its instruction online.
One of the trustees had a discussion placed on the agenda because of concerns that Epic had misrepresented itself to the public regarding questionable marketing techniques.
One of the trustees had a discussion placed on the agenda because of concerns that Epic had misrepresented itself to the public regarding questionable marketing techniques.
STATEMENT
Thank you for agendizing this discussion on EPIC Charter schools. My name is Michael Matsuda, superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District.
First of all, I would like to make it clear that our Board of Trustees is not opposed to locally authorized charter schools that are transparent and have local control accountability measures so parents and stakeholders can be heard.
As we have learned, Epic charter schools, a large, online charter network based in Oklahoma, is currently under investigation for fraud in Oklahoma. I have reviewed your approval of the EPIC charter school’s appeal from Anaheim Elementary School District’s denial of the charter application. We have serious concerns and agree with your staff’s original recommendation to deny their appeal.
EPIC charter has engaged in a practice that is wholly inconsistent with the California’s guarantee of free public schools and equitable access. Specifically, Article IX, Section 5 of the California Constitution which provides for a free school system.
EPIC’s charter school model and its use and advertisement of a “Student Learning Fund” of up to $1500 flies directly in the face of the California Constitution.
Socioeconomically disadvantaged student populations, which make up the majority of the population targeted by EPIC, would be subjected to a Mike Matsuda's statement - Network For Public Education:
