What we have is a clear statement saying we have got a substantial number of parents and teachers who believe charters are going to be a more viable choice for them.

Are you saying you're going to need teachers or not?

A number of families who attended Eighth Street are back as parents and teachers now. It seems that it is very common amongst people coming home - Ashley and I are not unique in that regard. Our parents instilled in us a sense of connection when we were young. It's great to see our daughter go to our school and encounter that feeling of comfort and camaraderie, that feeling of home.

[I asked some experienced parents what they do about this. They endorse the view of the best principals and teachers: Whatever the resistance, do your best to talk the problem out with the people at the school. Dick and Karen Reed, who have had two daughters in Fairfax County schools, say a face-to-face meeting with the teacher and the relevant administrator is best. You have to make sure the meeting does not end until the problem is defined and a solution agreed upon. Then, and this is the part that I was too lazy ever to try, the Reeds compose a summary of the discussion and the agreement and send it to the educators.] I don't accept corrections or edits from them, ... I do offer to meet again if they wish to change something.

Teachers have been saying that kids are studying in groups now. We want there to be a real continuity with the schools. It's a way to tie into the whole education system.

It boils down to a handful of parents and teachers doing all the work ... a resource better used in the classroom than fundraising to go to Disneyland.