PLEASE BE KIND.  DO NOT USE INAPPROPRIATE WORDS OR LANGUAGE WHEN SIGNING THIS PETITION.  ANY INAPPROPRIATE WORDS OR LANGUAGE WILL BE REPORTED TO CHANGE.ORG AS POLICY VIOLATIONS.

***Please read the updates posted below for the latest information!***

My daughter, who attends the Orange County School of Computer Science (OCSCS) charter school, has discovered a newfound love of learning thanks to the school's unique and enriching programs. This school is not just a place of learning for her, but for other children too. It's a place where they can explore the concepts of engineering and computer science in ways that aren't available at other schools within the district and we, as a community, should join together to show our support of this fantastic school.

However, this school is under threat. The school board recently heard a petition to alter the funding model to make OCSCS eligible for grant funding - a necessary change to ensure the sustainability of the school's programs and provide a better learning environment for our students. Yet some members of the board are showing that they would rather prioritize the interests of the teacher's union over giving our community's children the tools they need to succeed in an increasing technical world.  These school board members, including Carrie Buck and Marilyn Anderson have made it clear that our students are not their priority. Support this petition to show them that our community puts our students first!

There has been a significant misinformation campaign around the changes proposed to the school board ranging from turning OCSCS into a private charter to leaving OCSCS with no oversight.  Don't fall for the lies!  The proposal simply provides OCSCS with a funding model that matches the already successful El Rancho charter school in Anaheim Hills and other charter schools in our general area. What is being asked of the board is to just make the same federal and state grants that El Rancho has been awarded available to OCSCS to give the school an additional funding source.  The proposal very clearly states that OCSCS will remain a district school and those students living within the school's borders are automatically enrolled in OCSCS, just like any other middle school within the district. The proposal also very clearly provides an oversight process which includes annual financial audits to ensure funds are being spent appropriately. 

Accepting the proposed funding model would not only benefit our children but the entire community too. Students' success does not solely depend on what's learned from textbooks, but also on their exposure to various disciplines like engineering and computer science, which open doors to a wide array of opportunities in the future. Additionally, providing students a learning environment where they can explore academic areas that interest them can only foster an excitement about learning that will stay with them for life.

We implore the school board to recognize the broad-reaching benefits of our petition. Accept the proposed change to the OCSCS charter, unfetter the potential of our children, and allow OCSCS to flourish by allowing them to bring untapped funds into the district by making them eligible for federal and state grant funding. We urge members of the community to show their support for OCSCS by signing this petition. Together, we can secure the future of our school and our children.

For more information about how you can help, please visit the Support OCSCS website!  This website will be updated, so check back frequently!