Anonymous
Source; Santa Ynez Valley Charter School
Congressman Salud Carbajal visited Santa Ynez Valley Charter School on Friday, October 8, 2021 to present a flag that had flown over the US Capitol and to share his personal story with students, parents and staff.
The event began with the presentation of the flag which was raised by 7th grade student Anthoney Lewis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Following an introduction by Executive Director John Dewey, Congressman Carbajal addressed the school community and shared his journey to Washington, DC, from childhood as an immigrant at five years of age, to graduating from UCSB, working for Santa Barbara County and eventually stepping into politics. Following his remarks he took questions from the students which ranged from how much a congressman is paid to what kind of food is served on the plane to DC.
“Thank you for inviting me to share a few words with you about my personal story and my job as your representative in Washington. I want to recognize the teachers, staff and parents for all that they do to make sure you come to a great school such as this to learn and get the best possible education,” said Mr. Carbajal.
The Congressman also presented a Congressional Certificate in recognition of the school’s 21st year – and received a gift from Charter School student leaders; a framed photo of the whole student body.
Two Charter School families were instrumental in making the event happen. Bob Handy, grandfather of Danielle (8th), extended the invitation, and Wendy Motta, a former parent and current District Representative for Mr. Carbajal, organized the logistics.
Executive Director Dewey commented: “This visit and Congressional recognition is a testament to all the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff and parent volunteers over many years. There is so much good news to share about our school. The Congressman has helped raise our profile and instilled a renewed sense of spirit and pride. I’m so proud of everything our school has accomplished and of all the phenomenal students and families that make up our community.”
Go Dragons!
Wow, where do I even start on this one? 1) Education funding and policy for k-12 schools is almost solely in the hands of state and local governments, a federal representative has little impact 2) Carbajal and nearly all reps (unless they’re close to DC) fly between DC and their districts frequently. That’s how the job works: votes and committee meetings in DC, district outreach and campaigning back home 3) If you look more into what politicians consistently cut education budgets and vote against reforms, they’re not from the same party as Rep. Carbajal. You’re barking up the wrong tree.
It is not encouraging to see Salud celebrate the idea of charter schools which are just the latest iteration of white flight schools that came about in the South after integration was ordered in public schools. Whatever they say about charter schools there is always the aroma of exclusive and special and always the reality that they can and are selective in whom they admit. So public schools are left with those that the charter schools don’t want. We must remember that public schools are the most vital example of what made the US middle class and what allowed people in this country to break through the stratification of European society.
Charter school setting is often a smart choice for parents whose children have special educational needs. If you look at the typical public school setting only 6% of students with learning differences are able to take the A-G’s and be eligible to even apply to a 4year UC. For english language learners only 2% are eligible to apply to 4 year UC’s. Public schools need to improve their outcomes by using evidenced based approach to literacy and reducing class sizes. Public school is allowing too many students to fall through the cracks. The district should learn from this model and follow it rather than fight it.
Well then name 10 things that he’s done in the last year- shouldn’t be to hard?
Carbajal is a Dem party puppet. Always has been, always will be. He’s eagerly supporting the bogus $3.5 trillion bill that will bankrupt those children, and their children’s children.