November 13, 2012

To: Alameda County Board of Education Concerning: Portola Academy, a Charter from the Tri-Valley Learning Corporation (TVLC)

Dear Board members, The Portola Academy is before you again; to show that they have the best interest of the students in Livermore in mind by proposing this Academy, even though the demographics they propose to service have not demonstrated any overwhelming willingness to attend such academy. I will not repeat all the reasons that LVJUSD has stated for denial but will comment on a few critical ones. First and foremost is their financial solvency and their ability to manage educational financial affairs. This is based on the historical evidence of TVLC and the delinquency of lease and utility payments to the LVJUSD. Second, is the defective petition. If there was a great groundswell of need for the Portola Academy, the petition would not be part of the LVJUSD denial based on need. It would be obvious; names on the petition will not have LVCS students and parents needed to support Portola Academy. Indeed, all the names would be new and identifiable and not already associated to the existing Charter. I ask that you consider the last time the Portola Charter was before you and ask yourself, What has changed? With that I ask you deny the Portola Academy appeal.

Chuck Rogge LVJUSD Trustee