Danielle wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:45 PM:Many lies in this article-The Director of Admissions & Records is an ongoing position for several years. Dr. Townley supervised that position during his fist Interim Executive Director. Did he forget? Also, Diane Seabrook is the Director Of Counseling & Guidance. She agreed to take the Interim Director of Admissions & Records when the previous director resigned. She is paid by supplemental counseling funds and a stipend- She receives the lowest amount of money out of the unrestricted budget of any full time staff at the Administrative Office. Check the facts- it's all there. This is retaliation against the former executive director and all the people he hired to get back at him.

bluefairy wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:49 PM:Dr townly is a man that has no clue what is going on . Those three people are the best thing that has ever stepped foot into that school. I pray daily for the people that have to live in the mess that that man has made. Hopefully julian sees whats going on and kicks that old fart to the crub.

Rediculous wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:16 PM:Julian Union High School District needs to hurry up and put this school out of it's misery!

James wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:56 PM:Ridiculous- you can say that again!
VUSD has a whole lot of bad luck with charter schools. Maybe it is a backwards city where all the outlaws and carpet baggers come to sell their snake oil. People here are so under educated that any oil is good.

Ross wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:24 AM:Another success story of the charter schools! Does California Charter Schools Association even talk about this?

Vistan wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:06 AM:To James:
Eagles Peak is chartered out of Julian, not VUSD. Charters can set up shop anywhere, once they are granted a charter from a CA school district. The fact that Eagles Peak rented office space in Vista has nothing to do with VUSD. Go easy there and check your facts.

What about GPA wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:27 AM:We've heard about Eagles Peak Charter, Theory in Practice Charter, and All Tribes Charter, but when are we going to hear what's going on at Guajome Park Academy? Didn't the Superintendent "leave" 2 weeks before the end of the school year? Why isn't there a story about that? GPA is funded by taxpayer dollars, and as such, must be transparent. Why do all of these other charters have their laundry in print, but not GPA? It would seem that someone or someones are trying to avoid any negative publicity. What's the story?

Sarah wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:37 AM:Its too bad that the Board and Executive Director at Eagles Peak have no integrity, and only serve to boost their own egos. Can't they see that all they have done is roll back the progress that's been made over the last year? When will someone report about all the past lawsuits filed for wrongful termination? These people are clueless. They act in defiance of legal advice, and it costs all the taxpayers money in the process. Julian Union High School District, please revoke this charter and give the students that attend there a chance for a real education. How about a report on their dismal CELDT test results and sorry CAHSEE pass rate? OR the students they graduated that didn't really meet the requirements? Eagles Peak is the worst of the worst in charter schools.

Yup wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:10 AM:YOU GO Danielle!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing the truth I could not have put it better Myself. Plus I heard the person that took over for Diane Seabrook has NO CLUE whats going on ... Diane we pray that you are able to return to your staff soon.

Eagles drop wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:16 AM:Eagles "Peak" needs to be changed to Eagles "drop." This is such a shame to see any school have such disfunction at their school or district. Eagles Drop needs to ask themselves "What are we talking about here..." I know the answer will be "US!, no not the students our EGO's!"

Great job in keeping the students interest in mind when firing your entire administrative staff without a back up plan. You are a disaster.

Get your act together and fire the entire board. Don't continue making this about you and not the students.

Sympathy wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:39 AM:My sympathy is with the staff of this school. When Eagles Peak gets shut down, the students will have other schools to return to. However with a lean budget year in California, new jobs are not readily available for their teachers.
I understand that hard choices must sometimes be made in the best interest of students. But how is illiminating vital staff members, to the point where the school cannot properly function, in the best interest of students?

jane wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:04 PM:From what I understand, much of the staff at Eagles Peak is quite unhappy, and many are looking for employment elsewhere. Most are praying that EP folds, so they won't have to endure more of the agony that they have had to endure with constantly changing leadership, and from being under a board that has no term limits and a lot of power without much oversight. Most of the programs can be picked up by other charters. I hope Julian does the right thing here, and revokes, or decides to not renew, the charter.

Deborah wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:45 PM:anyone and everyone, go to Julian Union High school district e-mail them your request, ideas, any and all replies good or bad. James Peabody, superintendent of this district and is very concerended and need info from all sources. Keep in mind Temecula has NO site for the 08-08 school year and parents of that program will have to transport to Fallbrok.

Concerned community member wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:54 PM:It seems to me Eagles Peak is finally on the right track! Thanks to Mr. Townley!
Proof that Diane Seabrook was no longer needed (no longer an assett for the school) is in the fact that she comments on this article, but poses as the President of The Eagles Peak Board, Danielle.
How is this good for the school, Diane?
Hang in there Eagles Peak families! You can only go up!

Eagles Peak Families UNITE wrote on Jul 2, 2008 9:22 PM:Look, we need to unite as families in Eagles Peak otherwise this opportunity for our students will go away! Not all students fit in just one public school, this charter is a great one but recently we have allowed these ego driven board members to run this school, let the administrators and teachers run the school. STOP micromanaging everyone!

WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING NOW!!!!!!

Censureship at its best at the North County Times wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:37 PM:I find it ironic that the North County posts all these fuzzy wazzy blogs yet FAILS to post other blogs stating facts at issue.

This is why I canceled my subscription to the North County Times. There is absolutely no FREE SPEECH or FACTS just buzz and censorships at its best.

So North County Times the next time one of you reporters gets thrown out of public meeting I will send (the DA) them an award.

Alecks wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:43 AM:To Concerned community member
I wanted to let you know that to assume something is an awful thing and unless you have worked in the admission and records department then you have no clue what a great asset Diane was to Eagles Peak. I worked daily with Diane and will boldly state that her staff misses her very much And we wish her all the luck in the world.We pray and think of her daily. It was an HONOR to work under such an inspirational woman. I learned daily from her. I feel BLESSED to have meet a person that truly cared about her staff. Diane knew that despite everything this was a battle that needed to be fought for the student. She daily reminded us how rewarding our work was and to never lose sight of that. I consider who ever this is to be a coward to hide behind the name Concerned Community memeber. Please in the future have the courage to stand behind what you post. If you don’t feel that you can defend your statement maybe you would be better off keeping your thoughts to yourself.

Thank You Alecks Rosario

Mathew Note to the staff left behind wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:15 AM:I have a hard time believing that this is in fact is a “Concerned Community Member”
This person is someone from with in the school that is clear. I believe that it is extremely wrong to attack a persons charter when you know nothing about the time and effort that person has put into something. Alex You are a wonderful young lady and please try and see past all of this. This is not what I want you to remember about working in a school. I feel that we are setting a horrible example as educators for the youth. Please never loose that drive to stand up what you believe for. Do not let anyone distort your view and respect that you have for your former boss. I am sure that you and Karen are having a hard time. Hang in there you to and remember we are all here for you two. Karen you are amazing intelligent hard working person and Alex always keep that smiley can do attitude. Don’t pay mind to people that are negative and have no sense of what’s going on. Keep asking question and you both shall not be lead blindly into you downfall but rather knowing into your success.

To Matthew wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:14 PM:You rock! This community is obviously blessed to have you.

The staff need all the support they can get!

EaglesPeakParent wrote on Jul 3, 2008 4:07 PM:Eagels peak has been on a rocky road this past year. My child has been truly blessed to be a part of one of their new programs. She has absolutely thrived. After listening in on a few board meetings, I have come to realize that they have had to make some very difficult decisions this year. It is hard to predict the outcome, but at least the board is trying! It is my hope and prayer that the difficult decisions they make will keep our wonderful OC program in tact. It is an amazing community of both students and parents!

Marianne wrote on Jul 3, 2008 5:59 PM:How many times have any of you contacted the board? Not many I would think from your posts. You may be surprised that they listen and are helpful, if you try.

The admin who did not have their contracts renewed were not a good fit for the Charter. They will find success in a more traditional school, not a Charter. If you don't like the board - apply to be on it. Try to communicate with them. I don't have a lot of patience for people who complain, but do nothing.

The group in there now needs our support, no matter what you think of the contracts.

Are you going to be part of the problem?

Or are you going to be part of the solution?

Laughable wrote on Jul 4, 2008 4:39 PM:Gosh Danielle, opps, I mean "Marianne", how many administrations do you have to go through to find a good fit for a Charter School? Seems to me that maybe the "Board" is the bad fit? And let's face it "Marianne"...no one is getting on that "Board" unless they are a neighbor or good friend of the Board President. And...how dare you consider the parents of this school "part of the problem" when it is the "Board" that has put the school in this position! Parents beware...

Donna wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:02 PM:It is just amazing that almost every comment talks about being "blesses" and "praying". That is not what is needed..it's action and fast. This school has suffered due to poor decision made by the Board. Eagles Peak will most likely have to close their doors. Let the children who attend the school have a chance at a proper education. I wager over 50% of parents who send thier children to this school do not have a college degree. This school is not adequate and should be shut down until the bigger picture becomes clear. EDUCATION FOR THE KIDS.

Ha ha wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:09 PM:Great comment Laughable!

$10 says "Concerned Community Member" is Rufino.

The idea that they would come make comments like this is childish and laughable. I'm thinking maybe they aren't a "good fit" for this charter either!

Marianne wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:50 PM:It seems you would rather be part of the problem Laughable.

How many times have you contacted the peboard?

What was their response? - I bet you have nothing to offer. All this criticism has to be from stuff you heard second hand. That would be gossip, not facts.

Again, you don't like it? Run for the board, do something positive.

If all you can do is accuse me of being someone else, your ignorance is showing.

What have you done to make the school a better place?

I can offer the experiences I have had with the 3 Admin's, but then it may be hard for them to find work with a homeschool charter after I share the experiences.

Give the board some credit, or get on the board and make things better.

Stop complaining and do something positive rather than tear down the school. If this is not some personal vendetta, then what is it? Do the right thing by our children and help to turn this school around.

Marianne wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:52 PM:One more thing. The parents are only part of the problem when they are not part of the solution. Almost every parent I have spoken to knows nothing of the drama that is going on here. They all like the school very much. I do as well. My children are doing well here.

I just wonder how many of these disgruntled people are really parents - and not disgruntled Admin, or their friends.

I am a parent.

Marianne wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:54 PM:Okay, I lied, I have another point....

Why don't we change the way the board is elected?

Why isn't it elected by the parents who want to participate?

I am going to have to do some research on how to get on the board, unless some of you would be willing to share, and put in a link.

To Marianne wrote on Jul 6, 2008 7:37 PM:You amaze me how little you know about the boad.So what if the comments are for staff or not !! NEWS FLASH those are the people that daily have to work through the choices that those 4 people make. I don't blame people for using different names.I mean the three people that spoke up are no longer there and no for lack of amazing work. That should tell you somthing when a staff is so threaten that they have to hide their name to kepp their job.I really wish you all the luck in the world trying to get on the board. Then there will be 5 morans instead of 4.WOW thats something to look forward towards.Go to the next board meeting and see the staff that stands up and speaks .Watch them get toss to the side as nothing.How dare you talk about the three people let go. I can tell you that if you stood up and spooke badly. You might as well get prepared to looked at as a complete idiot. Its parents like you that make it diffcult to go on. People that will believe anything that is feed to them...

hurting wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:52 PM:I can only say that we are all paranoid on the inside of EPCS. We are wondering if the next pay check will arrive, and if it will bring with it the notice of unemployment with no warning. I have zero faith in the board at this point. Julian Union needs to know that we all want to know their decision today, not on the 18th of July. We also wish they would recall the board of directors. They obviously do not know what they are doing. Being a lawyer does not mean that you have any inclination what a school needs. ...

victim wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:59 PM:As a former employee, this school is run so poorly it's amazing. Any business run in this manner would be broke in a week.
This school should have it's charter pulled immediately and the board seek their power needs in the basement

Donna wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:26 PM:I hear the enrollement is down for next year. It is highly doubtful that this school will be open for the upcoming school year. Shame on the board for allowing things to progress to this point. It speaks volumes of the lack of understanding this board has to run a school. Fire them, and start over. People need to listen to the small "insignificant" employees at Eagles Peak. Julian School district needs to be pro-active and resolve this whole mess in a more timely manner.

TherealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:08 PM:No one has mentioned that the EP Board asked the school employees to work this summer "for free" so as to make the budget look good on paper.

The EP Board has been the problem from the get-go. There was a petition that circulated before the split, demanding the resignation of the board. The stack of signatures was half a ream of paper. The parents and staff made their request, the Board ignored them. But according to Ms. Hooper's statement in this paper, the Julian Board is just being cautious.

And here I naively thought that the school was for educating children. I am obviously mistaken, it is for profit.

always the last to know wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:04 PM:Well, it has been said that once again River Springs has all of the information that even EPCS employees don't know. They knew about the firings of our top officials prior to their release on 6/30 - and now seem to know that our school will be closing. One can only guess who the mole is - but so far that mole has been 100% accurate. They knew about the February layoffs, and I can only guess that they are correct now. Please Mr. Peabody - pull the plus now - not next week. EPCS employees deserve some dignity.

Marianne wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:58 PM:You all say you care about the kids, but yet you want them to close the school?

How many of you are parents?

How many are employees/ex employees?

to the real blue fairy wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM:Who has been asked to work for free? If you're talking about teachers - you're mistaken. They are all on vacation. If they asked Vista staff to work for free at this point - they would walk out. They are smarter than that!

who dunit wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:28 PM:I bet the school is closed by end of July. If you work there and are not looking for a new job shame on you. The ax will fall. Families with children attending EP should be looking for an alternative school. I think the reason people think the school should close is easily discernable just from all the above comments. It is a HUGE mess.

Nick wrote on Jul 15, 2008 5:12 PM:Public information, directly from the July 17 Julian Board meeting agenda (under the General Business section -
3. The Board will consider Approval of Notice of Intent to Revoke Notice of Facts in Support of Revocation concerning the Eagles Peak Charter School.

Donna wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:52 PM:Great news! Rumor has it the school has secured a loan for 2 million bucks. This means it may be saved after all!

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:56 AM:Question: When is it the easiest time to revoke a charter?

Answer: When it is up for renewal.

If JUHSD was planning to renew the charter it would have included revenue from EPCS in its 2008-2009 budget.

Food for thought.

Lisa wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:19 AM:Donna writes "good news" the school has secured a loan for 2 million. It seems to me getting another loan will just prolong the agony. The way Eagles Peak continues to survive is to get loans every year. When will it end? Even with a loan, Eagles Peak is still out of compliance in major ways! When will those issues be corrected? Remember being out of compliance effects the students and their education - or lack therof.

victim wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:20 AM:I hope what "therealBlueFairy" says is true. Maybe Eagles Peak will be put out of its misery at renewal time.

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:06 PM:Eagles Peak charter is up for renewal, which may be why when JUHSD submitted their 2008-2009 budget earlier this year there was nothing from EP. Their decision appears to be made from this evidence.
By going through the procedure to revoke the charter, they are dotting every 'i' and crossing every 't' so that an appeal the San Diego County Office of Education could be denied.

Donna wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:48 PM:Tomorrow is the big day. I actually tend to agree with "thebluefairy". The school does need to be put out of its misery. Securing the loan is useless without major changes being made.

Just Me wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:43 PM:Does anyone know any news from tonight's Julian Board meeting?

donna wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:24 PM:Things seem very quiet. Any news out floating around? I bet EP gets another extension.

Lisa wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:17 PM:EPCS has posted a Special Board meeting for tomorrow (7/18) at 9AM, Administrative office in Vista. Strategy? Damage control? Can't quite make heads or tails of the agenda.

so sad wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:30 PM:This board, headed by one obviously frustrated and, perhaps, insane president, has ever so slowly and painfully unraveled what was once a thriving(but not perfect)school. I'm sad for all the stress the staff has had to endure to maintain the day to day operations of the school while being put to such a test, month after month, by this board. Horrendous. The school should stay. The BOARD SHOULD GO!

brian wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:53 PM:thank you so sad~ all the administrative staff of EPCS has been incredible, thru the ups and downs- they deserve steady, rewarding careers and a school to be proud of- unfortunately not at EPCS! and after surviving Eagles Peak, they should be able to handle anything! what a zoo- with self-promoting totally unqualified egomaniacs taking over and wreaking havoc on staff and resources. i hope this is the last warped charter that taxpayer money has been sucked into...

Donna wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:57 AM:Why would any parent want their child to remain at Eagles Peak? It's reputation is gone.

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:32 AM:I attended the meeting last night. I have to say that I am disappointed that parents did not turn out to speak up for their children. One person got up and spoke on behalf of the children. A JUHSD board member responded to her plea with "you have other options for schools." That was a very uncaring response to make.

JUHSD is concerned with only one thing. The money. You are correct Donna, EP was given yet another extension, even though they have yet to fully comply with the items on the cure and correct. This was addressed in the meeting last night.

JUHSD was unmoved by all of the Brown Act violations and pending lawsuits. Their focus is on how the loans will work, how obligations will be met.

JUHSD has kicked the matter back to Superintendent Peabody, who by the way made the recommendation to go forward with the notice of revocation.

Of course the crowning moment was when Rufino Diaz stood up and said "Mr. Peabody, Shame On You!"

therealblueFairy wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:30 AM:August 7 was bandied around as the date for compliance.

orange co wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:07 PM:To "the real blue fairy:" Sounds like you are very well informed. What do you hear about us new to the EP experience in Orange County? Since we are so far away and probably not at the top of EP's list, what do you hear about our future?

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:06 PM:To Orange Co. At this time the information regarding programs in OC. is the same as down in SD. The funding and loans for EP hinges on EP aquiring 3 documents, one each from the state, Julian and SDCOE. If compliance is not reached, then it appears to be unlikely that EP will retain its charter. Without the charter the school will not be allowed to operate.

Being prepared is always a good approach. Look into alternatives for education and employment. Forewarned is forearmed.

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 26, 2008 8:42 AM:It has been verified by a reliable source that Eagles Peak will see the end on August 7. Parents, as stated prior, please put your family first and locate a school that will accept enrollment at this date. Other charters to consider are: River Springs, Sky Mountain and Julian Charter School

mom of students wrote on Jul 26, 2008 12:53 PM:I was just contacted by Eagles Peak as early as yesterday evening about the enrollment of my children. They stated thet the school year was a go and that it will begin on September 2, 2008. The funding and all the rest would stay the same as last year.

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:02 AM:Hey! The person that wrote that the EP will see the end on Aug.7, not cool to use someone elses login. I am the real Blue Fairy and I did not receive this information and I do not appreciate you using my "name" in this way.

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:39 AM:To the person posing as me, there is a board meeting scheduled for Aug. 7. No such verification can be made. The vote is for "intent to revoke" EP charter. It will take another 30 days at the least to see if the school actually closes. Don't forget there is an appeals process, in which EP can appeal to the state for emergency operating funds during the appeal.

If you are going to impersonate me, at least get your facts straight. I am displeased when people use my "name."

therealBlueFairy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:22 PM:Parents, if you are going to search for other school alternatives, please keep in mind that school terms can begin on different dates.

OC and Vista programs have been closed and some teachers have been laid off.

Lora wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:26 PM:Check out the 7/26/08 article. Also, as an employee that has worked for a very successful charter school (Escondido Charter High School) and a school with multiple problems (financial, compliance, moral, ethics), I've seen both the "good" and the "bad" that the "charter world" has to offer. I agree with Coach completely - "charter schools need to be doing the right thing," said Snyder. "If you are not spending the money right or you are mismanaging funds, you should be closed down." I would further like to add - if you are not in compliance, you should be closed down. Everything that Escondido Charter does is "transparent" and there is nothing to hide. I can't say the same thing of the school where I'm currently employed.

Nick wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:29 PM:To "mom of students" - the reason you are being contacted is only because EP needs to try to verify how many possible students MAY return so that number can be reported back to Julian. Be very careful "mom" that you are not put in the position of trying to find another school for your student at the last minute.

Marianne wrote on Sep 28, 2008 6:37 PM:Interestingly enough - the show goes on. I am happy to say that EP is growning and thriving. Are the staff and teachers being paid enough? Not in my book, but they either can not find better jobs, or as I like to think actually care about the kids and the school.

Thanks to those of you Parents who stuck around. Enrollment is up and the programs my kids are in are getting more children enrolled each week. One program has a waiting list Imagine that?