Citing falling enrollment, a South Coast school district is shutting down what was known as the Open Classroom program. Ventura Unified School District officials say enrollment was expected to drop from 29 students this school year to 18 next year, with several of those K-5 students out of district transfers.
They noted the program was unique when it started decades ago, but now the district has half a dozen magnet schools with special offerings. However, dozens of parents showed up to protest the move. The say the program includes extensive parental involvement, and emphasizes hands on learning with real life problem solving.
The Ventura School Board voted 4-1 Tuesday night to end the program. District officials say they wanted to give parents time to decide what schools they want their child to attend next year. It also allows time to reassign the program’s two teachers.