• WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MAP & ROSS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT?

MAP was started over 18 years ago by a group of parents and staff who wanted to offer a mulit-age, project-based curriculum because they believed in it, not because Manor School was deficient. At that time, the district had a much smaller student population and many empty classrooms. It has grown to serve over 120 children of the approximately 2,000 in the RVSD. Throughout its history, MAP has operated with little district oversight and has had its own “Parent Advisory Board” which has had direct control of, and influence over the program. 

  • Where will the RVCS (Ross Valley Charter School) be located?

The charter application is for a “partial conversion” of Manor School. In other words, MAP will continue to reside at Manor with a hope that they will someday be able to move to Red Hill School (pending the receipt of many hundreds of thousands of dollars of unsecured grant funding). From the petition: 

“We the undersigned believe that the attached charter petition for the partial conversion of Manor Elementary School by transitioning the Ross Valley School District’s Multi-Age Program (Program) to Ross Valley Charter School merits consideration and hereby petition the governing board of the Ross Valley School District to grant approval of the charter pursuant to Education Code Section 47605(a)(2) to enable the partial conversion of Manor Elementary School by transitioning the Program (pursuant to Education Code Section 47605(d)(1)) into Ross Valley Charter School.

  • Who wants the charter school?

The charter petition was supported by all 6 current MAP teachers, co-written by a current MAP teacher and MAP parent. 

  • What is the current status of the charter application?

The charter application was denied unanimously by the RVSD Board after RVSD leadership (Superintendent Bagley, et al) unanimously recommended they do so, at the meeting November 4.

  • Why was it denied?

You can read the full report by clicking here.

One reason was that charter schools are required by law to obtain the signatures of at least 50 percent of the full time teachers who will be affected by the charter. The petitioners got no signatures from current K5 teachers, though they are requesting a "partial conversion" of Manor School which could result in the displacement of some (or all) K5 students and teachers!

  • Isn’t that the end of it?

According to the RVCS website, "RVSD Superintendent recommends petition denial. Board of Trustees to vote November 4. RVCS to continue with next steps toward charter approval."

  • What has this created on the ground at Manor School? 

In addition to long-simmering resentments, according to a recent Discrimination Investigation Report (click on the November 18 Agenda here, and scroll to the bottom of the agenda to read) , the following demographic data are illustrative of discrimination and inequity: 

-The subgroup of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students is concentrated in the K-5 (non MAP) program. This group makes up approximately 23 % of the K-5 (Non MAP) student population and roughly 12% of the Multi Age Program population (on average over the past 3 years). 

-Approximately 84% of Manor’s Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students are in the K-5 program (on average over the past 3 years).

-The subgroup of English Language Learner students is concentrated in the K-5 program. This group makes up approximately 15% of the K-5 (Non MAP) student population and about 7% of the Multi Age Program population. Approximately 82% of Manor’s EL’s are in the K-5 program (on average over the past 3 years) *See p. 11 for student body characteristics  

-The subgroup of Students with Disabilities makes up approximately 10% of the K-5 (Non MAP) student population and 6% of the Multi Age Program population. Approximately 76% of Manor’s Students with Disabilities are in the K-5 program (on average over the past 3 years).

  • I thought MAP’s test scores were comparable to other RVSD schools?

According to the charter petition, “MAP students’ scores on standardized tests are in the same range as the average test scores in the rest of RVSD, which is a high performing district (p. 11, RVCS Petition).” In fact, because of the lack of access to MAP for many differently abled learners,  Manor's and K5 test scores are the lowest in the district, placing Manor in “Program Improvement Status” by the state. Also, if RVSD is a “high performing district,” why do the petitioners seek to leave?

  • But, isn’t it true that MAP isn’t a Manor program, but a district program? Why is the comparison to Manor School relevant?

In theory, yes, but in fact, only 22 out of 130 current MAP students reside outside the Manor area. That is less than 17% (p.4, Discrimination Investigation Report).

  • Wouldn’t this charter allow more RVSD kids to get a MAP education?

Possibly, but the charter also allows for children outside the district to enroll, which would lead to more crowding at other already crowded RVSD school sites.

  • More history about MAP and RVSD:

The district has invested much time and money to resolve the inequities and frustration at Manor, including the “Manor Workgroup” 12 years ago. As recently as last spring, the Marin County Office of Education facilitated a group to resolve differences, which fizzled out after folks in MAP leadership re-focused their time, energy and attention on the RVCS Charter Petition.

  • Shouldn’t we all, as caring adults, be invested in ensuring equity in our public schools?

Yes! That is why we, Save Ross Valley Schools, have created this website. The MAP/RVCS community has defined the public debate and set the tone of the discourse for many years while many of us have felt intimidated and averse to entering into a discussion with folks who are not invested in making changes to accommodate others’ needs, feelings, nor basic fairness. We believe that all students should have a fair shake at participating in all RVSD programs.