Since casting a very difficult vote at a recent Council meeting, a couple of individuals have suggested that I am a “public school hater”, and that I’m not “considerate” or “supportive” of this charter school effort. For the record, I have supported the efforts of the Foundation to create an alternative school for students.
The question is, if the sole purpose of this organization is to create an alternative educational institution, why has it taken so long to do so? Why haven’t alternative locations been looked at or private business donors come forward to help get it started? Where are these people, and why haven’t we heard from them either in person or through letters of intended monetary support for this facility? I really didn’t understand the answer to those questions until this campaign got started.
There is a fine balance of needs and services that must be considered when serving a city. It isn’t easy when difficult decisions cut into the very ideas of those who are passionate about them. I am committed to serving this entire community and I know the fight that it sometimes entails.
The City Manager’s report outlined very clearly what the Council’s authority was, and it was evident to me what direction should be taken. The responsibility of building a school rests with the San Mateo Union High School District, not by taxing Foster City residents. With strict enrollment guidelines for a charter school, very few Foster City students would be able to attend. The decision seems simple but there are those that still don’t seem to get it.
You have a small group of individuals who remember the days we all waited for a public high school that never happened, and they tell the new residents that this Council is to blame for not having one. Contrary to what’s being printed, I am not opposed to the efforts of the Foundation in trying to bring an educational opportunity to the City. I am opposed to having to pay for it when it is a District school; plain and simple.
We must continue to maintain good fiscal management and focus on sustaining our planned community vision in addition to keeping pace with regional and State issues as they can affect the economic health of our City. I am disappointed that one issue sat center stage and created such an emotional climate in this election year. It has brought out the worst in people and diverted attention away from the real needs of this City and the type of leadership it takes to complete the tasks.
There are issues that will affect the entire community and we need serious, dedicated people to address them. It will take experience and understanding of this City to look long range and make responsible decisions. I said once before it’s not about winning and losing; it’s about dialogue and compromise.
If you would like to discuss any community issues with me, just tell me where and when and I will be happy to meet with you and discuss them.
For comments on this or other issues, please contact me at lkoelling@fostercity.org
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