Rhys is just stating facts. Of the 800 kids who attend St. HOPE, only 124 live in the 95817 zip code. It's a fact that the majority of Oak Park students go to either McClatchy or Johnson.

I think you may have the newly elected president of the board, Diana Rodriguez mixed up with Ellyne Bell. If I recall correctly, Ms. Rodriguez spoke and Ms. Bell did not weigh in on the issue. Not sure though...

"Most people drive by and say to themselves, "My kid is NOT going there" because they see so many minorities." Gonzo, it is very unfortunate that you have such a narrow way of thinking. For your information, for the first 5 years of its operation, St. HOPE had on its website, "our focus is on low-income, minority students". After I mentioned that statement at a board meeting and in the paper, people called me racist. All I was saying was that it was an exclusive statement and people were getting a particular message. Message received loud and clear - St. HOPE got what it wanted - a minority-focused school. They were the ones focusing on race, and it was wrong. In a December board meeting, the district directed St. HOPE to market their school in a more inclusive and legal way. That divisive statement was then removed from the website. The former Sac High had 146 years of history of eduacating all students. It was the most racially and socioeconomically balanced school in the district when it was closed. Why would 146 years of diversity disappear overnight? The lack of diversity is directly related to St. HOPE's previous marketing strategy and their continued assertions that their lack of diversity is because others are bigots (that doesn't encourage people to feel welcome there, by the way) - when in reality, St. HOPE got what they wanted all along.

MBD, I do have children. They are not high school-aged yet. I'm looking toward the future and what is best for the district in the long-run. I believe in community schools and I support educating every single child irregardless if they are going to college or not. I believe it is our civic duty to make sure every child gets a decent education. That's just what I believe and I fight for what I believe in. There's no hidden agenda. In my opinion, it's just the right thing to do. As you can see from many of these comments, many people aren't concerned with everyone and that frightens me to death. It's sad. See Disciple's comment to see what I mean.

Truthbtold: I Know that they are co-locating because of the renovation. It is no secret that Sac charter cannot afford their site without another entity there. The situation is temporary and is not a long-term solution. It helps defray the cost for St. HOPE. That's the truth.