Rebuttal to Vote 'No' on Prop BB

I would like to set the record straight on some of the points raised by Dale Mitchell in his argument against Prop BB.

Why are many eighth graders from both Fallbrook and Bonsall elementary schools choosing not to attend FHS?

Here are some facts: Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) is in its third year of program improvement (a program for schools that have not met one or more of its identified achievement targets for at least two years in a row). FUHSD’s Academic Performance Index (API) is 746 on a 1,000 point scale while Bonsall Union School District’s (BUSD) API is 878. FUHSD has a qualified rating indicating it cannot project solvency for three years. BUSD has a positive budget rating, indicating it can project solvency for three years. These statistics show that BUSD outperforms FUHSD in both categories.

BUSD does not expect FHS to provide programs for Bonsall High School students. His statement about possibly not accepting Bonsall transfers is a bit disturbing, knowing that Bonsall would happily accept Fallbrook students. The money from the state follows the student.

Another very key fact: when a school district unifies to be K-12, it will receive more money from the state per student in all grades. Why has Fallbrook itself not unified into a K-12 district?

To conclude, I am very disappointed in the lack of cooperation and support Dale Mitchell has provided to something that is best for both communities.

Robin Thayer