Congressman Concerned About Conditions Placed on Charter School

Rep. George Miller expressed concerns Monday about the conditions placed on a proposal to convert Clayton Valley High School into a charter school.

In a sit-down interview with online journalists, Miller described the conditions recommended by the Mt. Diablo school board as "excessive" and "unnecessary."

The conditions include financial planning and employee qualifications. The charter proponents have until February to incorporate those items in their proposal if they want to receive a positive recommendation from the school board.

Miller endorsed the charter school proposal in August. On Monday, he said the plan should be embraced by the school board. He said he's concerned the board is trying to "derail" the proposal before it gets going.

"It's not a threat. It's an amazing opportunity," the congressman said.

The 19-term East Bay Democrat commended the charter school proponents for taking a year to study the idea and get feedback from students, teachers and parents.

He said ideas such as Saturday school and longer school days are the type of productive changes that come from such conversations.

"Parents and students are your customers. They aren't your wards," said Miller.

The congressman also said he believes the City of Concord is on the right track in its preliminary plans for the Concord Naval Weapons Station site.

Miller added the federal government should spend more money to help stimulate the economy. His remarks on that subject can be heard on a video in another article on Clayton Patch. Miller represents California's Seventh District, which includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano counties.