Oxnard Schools Consider Stepping Up to ‘Challenge’

The Oxnard Elementary School District is considering enrolling in a new program that would free the district from nearly every rule in the state education code but would require it to set higher academic standards, toughen campus security and increase parental participation.

State Supt. of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin proposed the “Challenge School District” program early last month in an effort to raise the state’s academic standards.

The program would free the district from statewide education guidelines concerning curriculum, class sizes and funding and would allow districts to make more decisions on the local level. Funds now restricted for use in bilingual and special education programs could be used however the district saw fit.

In exchange, the district would agree to increase its academic standards for all students at every grade level and in every subject, and to close its 14-school system to non-students. Students also would have to remain on campus from the beginning of the school day until the end, including lunchtime.

“I think we have much to improve and this new state program will certainly make it easier for us to bring about our own goals,” Trustee James Suter said. “I think whatever we can do to help kids achieve a higher level of education, the better it will be for them.”

The trustees will discuss the proposal tonight during their 7 p.m. meeting, but are not likely to take action yet. The program could be implemented as early as next spring.

Eastin launched the effort in what she called a fundamentally redesigned approach to public education. The plan differs from another fashionable type of reform--charter schools--in that it gives autonomy to entire districts instead of just single schools.

Nine of the state’s 1,000 school districts are negotiating with Eastin’s office to become challenge districts, and 60 others have inquired about the program.

One enticement is that instead of receiving funds based on the number of students who attend class every day--which is a volatile figure--funding would be based on how many students are enrolled on a monthly basis.

Officials with the Oxnard district said their goals for the 13,000 students in the district are similar to the goals Eastin has proposed.

In the last three months, for instance, the trustees formed a committee of parents to develop programs to help children with homework and to give students the emotional support they need to stay in school.

One of Eastin’s requirements for a Challenge School District is that parents sign a contract with the school committing to at least 10 hours per week to help their children on school activities and supervise homework.

The district has also formed a task force to examine its technology curriculum and make recommendations to the board. Likewise, the districts in the challenge program must be committed to bring updated computer technology into the classroom.

Trustee Mary Barreto said change is necessary for the Oxnard Elementary School District and that she is willing to embrace the challenge program.

“I don’t think it will be easy, but I think it’s something we need to do,” Barreto said. “It’s time to use something new and this is a great opportunity to do that.”