May 12, 2009

  • Even the most dreaded situations can be learning ones. Today was day one of a federal monitoring visit from the United States Department of Education (ED), and with all the diligent preparation and anxiety leading up the visit, I was anticipating an excruciating day. However, the monitors were pleasant, and I learned and understood better the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP). California has a huge responsibility in distributing $100 million to high-quality charter schools, and the ED wants to make sure that the money--taxpayer money--is being protected in the manner it should be. I always knew that, and have always felt that way. Today reemphasized that reality for me, and the important role that we, as the California Department of Education (CDE), have.