Creative Minds Website

[Anonymous]

I dont understand- we all have different kids, and different needs. There is not a single school that will fit every kids. CMI is a good solid school for some children, and certainly a good option compared to many in bound schools. Surely, other schools are better in some areas then CMI as well.

If it works for your kid, great. If not, hopefully the option exists to move on. For many it is not an option. Why post about a website, or even be on a website of a school your are no longer in? Why care?

- another former CMI parent whose opinion doesn't matter anymore

[Anonymous]

as a former CMI parent, I miss what is an absolutely wonderful parent community. Having spent several years there (and donated a lot of money), I am interested in seeing what the school is doing and so yes, from time to time I go on the website. I want to see the school succeed. The opinion of someone who left is quite informative for parents who are at the school now (avoid pitfalls) and for parents who are considering the school. We left because the school lacks experienced teachers--especially special education teachers--organization, and a commitment to attending to the needs of children who have the "plain vanilla" learning disabilities, if you will. So my opinion does matter, and I believe it is especially useful given all the exuberance of the parents of children in early childhood who really do not have real experience with the school over the long haul.

[Anonymous]

We are also a family who left (and never looked at the website, but whatever OP), and want CMI to succeed as well. Like any school, they have some things they do well, and things they need to work on.

[Anonymous]

Former families- have any of you done an "exit interview" or emailed the school to tell them why you left?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former families- have any of you done an "exit interview" or emailed the school to tell them why you left?

No exit interview, but I wrote to Golnar when we decided to leave. CMI is a wonderful place and the few concerns I had for my child, many which I think were easy to resolve with time, I brought to her attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dont understand- we all have different kids, and different needs. There is not a single school that will fit every kids. CMI is a good solid school for some children, and certainly a good option compared to many in bound schools. Surely, other schools are better in some areas then CMI as well.

If it works for your kid, great. If not, hopefully the option exists to move on. For many it is not an option. Why post about a website, or even be on a website of a school your are no longer in? Why care?

- another former CMI parent whose opinion doesn't matter anymore

I am this poster- and agreed, as a former parent your opinion does matter. I should not have discounted it. I should have addressed the OP regarding the opinion of the website. Something I find trivial and as a former parent, am NOT concerned with. I am still vested in the school and hope that it succeeds for all of the amazing families that are still in CMI.

[Anonymous]

I am a former parent who very much wanted the school to succeed. As such, upon leaving, I offered to do an exit interview and share my insights (good and bad). The school administration did not even call me back. Very telling. It is offensive that such a wonderful school and community has to be challenged by a leader who simply lacks management ability and people skills. The school may fail because of her, and that is a shame. So many people invested their time and money and trust. The Board should take appropriate action before it is too late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a former parent who very much wanted the school to succeed. As such, upon leaving, I offered to do an exit interview and share my insights (good and bad). The school administration did not even call me back. Very telling. It is offensive that such a wonderful school and community has to be challenged by a leader who simply lacks management ability and people skills. The school may fail because of her, and that is a shame. So many people invested their time and money and trust. The Board should take appropriate action before it is too late.

Sounds like leadership at some other charters as well

[Anonymous]

CMI should have focused on getting their ducks in a row for elementary school before expanding to middle school. They are not the only charter that has expanded before they should and the PCSB should not be allowing this. And, the fact that the founding Director of CMI is allowed to take public funds for a school and just do whatever she wants with those funds with no real accountability will ultimately sink a school that so many of us believed in and supported.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CMI should have focused on getting their ducks in a row for elementary school before expanding to middle school. They are not the only charter that has expanded before they should and the PCSB should not be allowing this. And, the fact that the founding Director of CMI is allowed to take public funds for a school and just do whatever she wants with those funds with no real accountability will ultimately sink a school that so many of us believed in and supported.

What exactly are you alleging here?

[Anonymous]

CMI new parent here.

Please tell me that this line is not true: "And, the fact that the founding Director of CMI is allowed to take public funds for a school and just do whatever she wants with those funds with no real accountability."

There is accountability, right? It is a non-profit, so there must be a board and an annual audit.

Why would someone make an accusation like this?

[Anonymous]

Charters get a lot of leeway. If a principal used money for a ski chalet, she'd eventually get caught, but there are lots of ways to use money that fall between "ideal" and "criminal."

One advantage of traditional public schools is that there is a lot of oversight. One disadvantage of traditional public schools is that there is a lot of oversight.

[Anonymous]

I am the pp and am not accusing the director of anything illegal. However, she is setting the tone for the school, getting rid of any staff that do not agree with her and not interested in really hearing the concerns of the dedicated parent community. It is all about the cult of the individual. This is not uncommon for new nonprofits, but it is tragic that this is happening at a public school that DC taxpayers are funding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CMI new parent here.

Please tell me that this line is not true: "And, the fact that the founding Director of CMI is allowed to take public funds for a school and just do whatever she wants with those funds with no real accountability."

There is accountability, right? It is a non-profit, so there must be a board and an annual audit.

Why would someone make an accusation like this?

The PP explained what she meant -- but re financial oversight yes, there is a board, and an annual audit which is also submitted to the Public Charter School Board. COntracts for goods or services but be put out for competitive bids and contracts over a minimal amount (I think $5,000) must be submitted to the PCSB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CMI new parent here.

Please tell me that this line is not true: "And, the fact that the founding Director of CMI is allowed to take public funds for a school and just do whatever she wants with those funds with no real accountability."

There is accountability, right? It is a non-profit, so there must be a board and an annual audit.

Why would someone make an accusation like this?

Just go with the flow new parent. Agree with Golnar and the CFA and you will be fine.

Don't dare to disagree with anything, that's not the CMI way.