Three more NCA charter board members, parent rep resign; letter says conflict the problem
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
NAMPA — Nampa Classical Academy board members Carolina McCarther, Mitch Miller, and Bryon Merrill (ad-hoc member) resigned their positions, effective today. Holle McRae, executive committee parent representative, also resigned.
"At this time, we believe we can no longer be associated with a board that Michael Moffett leads as chairman," the three board members and McRae said in their resignation letter obtained by the Idaho Press-Tribune. "We believe there have been issues at the board level and with some of the leadership at NCA that conflict with the core values and will affect the success of NCA."
They also stated in their letter: "As board members and leaders for Nampa Classical Academy, we have been delighted to share in the excitement of classical education. ... We have enrolled our children in NCA because of this vision and belief in classical education," the letter stated.
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Today's resignations bring the total departures from the board to seven. Four others resigned in October. Acting board Chairman Mike Moffett is the only original charter board member.
In addition to Moffett, newly appointed board members Terry LaMasters, Irene Gans, James Lorenzen, and Erik Makrush make up a quorum.
"We appreciate the service these members have given to the Board and to the NCA family," Moffett said in a press release issued this morning. "We wish them the best in their future endeavors. We remain strong and resolute that the future of the Academy is in good hands with the Board. While there have been bumps along the way, we feel that many of our growing pains are common to new charter schools and businesses alike and these experiences have taught us valuable lessons. We are pleased with the progress of the students and faculty of the Academy."
The resignation letter also stated: "We have exhausted all efforts in taking action to correct poor decisions made by founders which will have a negative affect on NCA. The Board of Directors should be unified and we cannot unify with Michael Moffett as a member of the Board of Directors. For this purpose, we offer our resignations effective immediately." ...
"The classical method of learning teaches children how to think for themselves, instead of what to think. It teaches children to make comparisons and to formulate opinions, to be interactive in the learning process by challenging ideas that are not their own. The written charter gives the vision of NCA which reads: 'At Nampa Classical Academy young men and women will develop a strong intellectual foundation coupled with a potent moral compass, giving them precepts and principles needed to achieve the greater things in life. The educational cornerstone of intellectual and moral development enables students to pursue their destiny in a successful manner as leaders in their families, their communities, and the nation. Nampa Classical Academy endeavors to produce successful, knowledgeable, productive and independent members of a free society.' "
Comments:
“As a parent of former NCA students I have to say I found the staff and teachers to be dedicated and very competent. We had to change schools because of a move but I think that what the press doesn't capture is the most important part of the story. NCA is trying to do something great...it is unfortunate that the pride and personality conflicts of a few will damage the reputation of such a fine group of people. I think before people become upset about how their tax dollars may or may not be spent, they should at least do a little research into the Classical education method. There are several public schools in other states that are based on the Classical method. It is telling to me that some people hear the word "Bible" and immediately see red. Regardless of your religious beliefs or lack of them, the Bible is historically part of literature and cultures all over the world. NCA is not fighting to teach the Bible alone, but also other religious texts such as the Quran. This is all an effort to better equip our children for being members in society. Understanding what different religions are based upon and knowing why certain people believe the way they do is going to be absolutely necessary in the years to come as the world becomes more connected. Education will triumph over ignorance. Bottom line, people shouldn't be making rash judgments about this institution or its people based on what they read in the paper. There are always multiple sides to a story. A lot of great kids, teachers and faculty are handing in the balance.
Kim - 10:19 AM, Friday November 6, 2009
“I didn't see any mention of property taxes in that comment. All of the taxes we pay in Idaho go to fund schools, including charter schools...
Citizen - 4:00 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“No property taxt what so ever goes to charter schools! Get your facts straight.
NCA Supporter - 7:32 PM, Sunday November 8, 2009
“Read thye last line of the comment. They di dsay they pay property tax.
fredomof education - 5:06 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“This comment on the jail story is priceless...so applicable here:
Why can't we have Charter Jails? Just submit a proposal on how your vision of how to run a jail is better than the jail already in place. Then the Charter Jail Commission will give you millions of tax dollars to build your new jail vision and the prisoners will come. No need to get "approval" from the people who will pay for it, just the approval from a few souls on the Commission. That's how the charter schools do it; why not jails too?
Moffett4Liberty - 3:37 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Well lets see...oh wait they do charter jails! There is one right next to the state run Pen! Again get your facts straight.
NCA Supporter - 7:34 PM, Sunday November 8, 2009
“Um, no, they don't do charter jails. Not the way charter schools are created or funded. The point, though, of the original post is that it is reckless to allow anyone with a "vision" to attempt to provide a necessary service to our community at taxpayer expense who has limited experience in performing that service.
BlueinIdaho - 10:59 AM, Monday November 9, 2009
“That was an original comment posted by our friend Bluein Idaho on the story about the Jail Bond. I also find it interesting that people are now attacking one of the posters and mocking their post identitiy. That is kind of childish people.
fredomof education - 6:48 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“This comment on the jail story is priceless...so applicable here:
Why can't we have Charter Jails? Just submit a proposal on how your vision of how to run a jail is better than the jail already in place. Then the Charter Jail Commission will give you millions of tax dollars to build your new jail vision and the prisoners will come. No need to get "approval" from the people who will pay for it, just the approval from a few souls on the Commission. That's how the charter schools do it; why not jails too?
Moffett4Liberty - 3:22 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Why can't everyone just let the school do what it needs to to survive and quit trying to Monday Morning Quarterback them. If they fail then some of you were right. If they don't then others of you are. The point is that they have been approved to have the opportunity because of the laws we have. Let them have that opportunity and if the state feels they cannot handle it then something will be done.
fredomof education - 2:37 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“BlueinIdaho – Making a baseless and socially charged statement about nca justifying slavery and the slaughter of native Americans was irresponsible and inciting AT BEST and removed any validity your other comments may have had or will have. For shame. Has it ever occurred to you that people might believe your baloney? Perhaps we could all benefit from embracing some universal values; integrity, love of truth, etc. Look closely at yourself before pointing the finger.
mo4504 - 10:29 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“It is not baseless, it is an accurate statement NOT about NCA but about the vision held by the founders. If you had listened and read what was said by the founders, you would not be so quick to attempt to shame someone now. Look it up and do your homework. I did. The founders vision is to whitewash history by placing the the not so grand parts of American history in "context". These parents were sold a bill of goods, I'm sorry if you're one of them. Instead of taking issue with what I have found in my search for the truth, why don't you do some searching yourself? Integrity doesn't mean turning a blind eye..
BlueinIdaho - 10:49 AM, Friday November 6, 2009
“Blue, I've never commented on a post before but your level of arrogance overwhelmed me and I felt compelled to write in. Your response to what is your source for claiming the founders of the NCA justify slavery and the slaughter of Native Americans is "look it up." LOOK IT UP. Rather than quote articles or give examples you reply "look it up." Clearly you don't know what your sources are. You've listened to rumors and these blogs, put together ideas without doing your homework and now you are blasting others and spreading rumors with your carelessness. You need to step back account for yourself. Clearly you've lost perspective and are now only capable of spreading careless rumors about issues you either don't understand or don't care to take the time to understand. That's just sad.
unbelievable - 6:20 PM, Friday November 6, 2009
“Unbelievable: We have been present at at least one NCA meeting where Isaac Moffett expressed his clear contempt for the education system viewing historical events through what he calls a "presentist" lens. He seems to be saying (my impression) that we should look at historical wrongs through the eyes of those who committed them, rather than from the perspective of a nation and a people that hope to learn from mistakes committed by our forebears. No question, America has done a great many amazing and wonderful things throughout its history. It has also made mistakes - to suggest otherwise is just plain stupid. And to say that we should give slave owners, for example, the benefit of excusing their sins against humanity because, well, "Everyone else was doing it", that's simply juvenile. I wouldn't accept such an excuse from my child, and I don't want Isaac Moffett to teach my children that kind of denial of reality. These are the impressions that I and others have taken from Moffett's agenda. Maybe we're reading his intentions incorrectly, but I doubt it.
Hoping for the Best - 11:30 AM, Sunday November 8, 2009
“And I find it disappointing that people will rely on others to do the work for them instead of simply doing the research themselves. I've replied lower in this thread regarding sources that form the basis for my allegations. This school is mirroring a pattern of other Christian Classical Schools that use materials made available from the Logos school in Moscow. The Logos school instigated the classical movement in Idaho and was used as a model for NCA. It is clear to many that this school misrepresented its charter and its vision -- that is obvious from the statements of the resigning board members. What exactly does it take to refocus the devotees of the Moffetts to the actual needs of the students? Why is questioning the schools' purpose, its management and its future so disturbing? Shouldn't these questions be asked? As I stated before, pay for it yourselves and there will be no questions asked.
BlueinIdaho - 11:42 PM, Friday November 6, 2009
“Knowing all of the founders I do not believe your facts are correct. I have never heard any of them make statements that even alluded to such.
fredomof education - 1:46 PM, Friday November 6, 2009
“If Moffett would just resign, then reason COULD take over. The issue is that this school was DESIGNED to be controversial. Out of state interests are pushing a religious agenda and NCA kids are going to pay the bill. I would respectfully offer that if the Moffetts resign, pull all the "we CAN teach the Bible" agenda and VIOLA! Everything's cool. The question is can Moffett and his ilk put kids before politics? AND I'm sickened my tax dollars are paying for this foolishness. AND YES THEY ARE MY DOLLARS and I have a right, given to me by God and Natural Law (look it up) that I can be offended that I'm taxed to pay for this. Perhaps all the "You don't have a child there" folks need to remember that I'm TAXED to pay for thier child's education which gives me a right to have a voice in it. It's a crazy American, classical idea--No Taxation without representation? Yeah. I pay property tax and I CAN complain that Moffett and Co. are wasting it.
Tired Taxpayer - 7:55 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Hey tired tax payer…..maybe one reason why you are so tired is that you haven’t done all of your research. NO CHARTER SCHOOL RECEIVES ANY PROPERTY TAX! You want to be rant about a school system, rant about your local traditional school system that can and will raise your property tax to support their bloated socialist system and failed educational fads.
In regards to the Moffett’s leaving, why should they. They created the school. That would be like telling Sam Walton, “Hey thanks Sam, but now that we have opened our doors we don’t want you anymore!” What nonsense.
NCA Supporter - 1:13 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Ad Hominem attacks aren't what are being taught at NCA are they? Bad news: State tax dollars are at work at NCA. That's just the unfortunate truth. And invoking one of the greatest capitalists of all time while sucking at the public trough seems...well, less than powerful persuasion. Sam Walton used his OWN money. Moffett and crew are using mine. That's just the way it is. Start charging tuition, pay the state back and then you no longer are accountable to the people of the State of Idaho--myself included, who are footing your bill.
I'm disappointed that the friends, faculty and leadership of NCA don't understand who they work for.
Tired Taxpayer - 8:06 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Tired- you have the right to speak about how your taxes are distributed. However, the elected officials of this state developed the charter law to allow individuals to have the opportunity to do exactly what the NCA people are doing. They were given the use of federal and state taxes to develop an educational choice. There are no local property taxes in charter schools. Yes you do pay the federal and state taxes. However, there are a lot more items I think I could rant about in the way taxes are distributed than a charter school that you don't like. What about the government owning car companies, insurance companies, ect, ect. But, that is not the point. The accusations of the academy not hiring certified teachers has been answered. All of the teachers are either certified or applied for tempory certification while they completed the necessary items to get the certification. The misuse of funding is another acusation that has not been proven and was allocated by the same board that has now resigned. This is all still being looked at. I am just saying give the academy the fair treatment of answering before believing acusations.
fredomof education - 11:19 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Your property taxes do not go to charter schools. Look that up!
m4liberty - 11:07 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Oh my. NOW I REMEMBER! Charter money comes from magic beans that are planted in the Octopus's garden--under sea! This is part of the confusion that is damaging NCA, the belief that they're AREN'T taking the Government's dollars. THE STATE PAYS THE BILLS. The belief that somehow Charter Schools "create" money is silly and points to the problem that NCA faces! Hmmmm Monetary Creationism...wouldn't a Classical Academy teach Capitalism instead?
NCA IS A PUBLIC SCHOOL and therefore subject to oversight by the state and taxpayers. Now, if it was a private school, where the students pay tuition? Then I really don't give a tinker's darn what they do.
Tired Taxpayer - 6:16 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“The like I said before. Let the state do what it needs to and quit saying guilty before the trial. All people on this thread have been doing is taking acusations and making assumptions. Let the state sort it out and if there is misuse then it will be addressed.
fredomof education - 11:57 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“State taxes, not property taxes. It still comes out our pockets and therefore we have every reason to scrutinize the use or misuse of our money. Why shouldn't Charters be up to a vote as other public projects are? Do you honestly believe that the great citizens of Nampa would have voted to allow you to build this school had it been on the ballot? Instead, you do an end-around to the Charter commission who apparently dole out our money as if it were a treat on all hallows eve. It is a shame that you had to run off every board member in order to appoint the devoted Moffett supporters on to the current board.
BlueinIdaho - 3:29 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“BlueinIdaho – I notice you still haven't revealed the source of information to justify your statement that nca is trying to justify slavery and the slaughter of native americans. Schoolchoice asked you for it twice as far as I can tell. I wonder why you wouldn't want to give us your evidence. Unless there is none. And you want us to believe this is not a witch hunt after you throw around baseless and socially irresponsible accusations like that?
open minded - 9:05 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“BLUE, from the overwhelming majority in Idaho and at NCA - SHUT UP and go start your own charter school if you have enough guts. No one has asked you to put your kids in NCA, to like the Moffett Brothers, or even live in Idaho. Perhaps you should go live in New Jersey or Virginia... oh wait they also elected REPUBLICAN Governors yesterday. The tides are a changing across the Country. Your agnostic views are not the only ones that are allowed to be heard - in case you have been sleeping, we commoners are letting our voices be heard now and we ain't so happy with the direction OUR country was headed, so get used to people standing up and FIGHTING for our rights and liberties put in place by the FOUNDERS of this nation. Just because 60 years ago educational philosophy was changed by "progressives" or "liberals" or "socialists" as part of a left wing agenda, does not mean that the revisionist history they put in place is anything near correct... I use original documents not someone elses slanted writings - Educate yourself and perhaps you may actually be able to make a logical arguement!
Enjoy they nice day and get out of your mother's basement - perhaps you could use some fresh air!
Pro Charter - 5:48 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“WOW! Reading all these comments reminds me of hearing a guest on a well-known radio talk show several years ago. He was discussing publicly-funded vs. privately-funded education, and he pointed out that the beauty of privately-funded education was that all kinds of people could educate their kids however they wanted--and still be friends--something obviously not possible with publicly-funded education. It seems that publicly-funded education encourages meanness, as this site surely indicates. Also, uvm88, Wed., Nov. 4, says "I'm just glad that the Nampa School District had the foresight not to issue these folks a charter. Obviously they saw through them for what they really are; a private school." The Nampa Classical Academy is NOT a private school. They use taxpayers' funds; they are a government school. Pro Charter, on Wed., Nov. 4 critically mentions progressives, liberals, and socialists. What about fascists? The way that charter schools combine public/private in their funding and operation, they surely can be more accurately described as fascist, than either public or private.
The Political Refugee - 12:06 AM, Monday November 9, 2009
“Well said....I was thinking that he was sitting in his sisters basement with no job for if you Google his name, you will find him all over the place responding to news papers and blogs. Must not have a job.
NCA Supporter - 1:29 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“That is one of the most pathetic posts I have ever had the misfortune to read. Again, I have a relative at NCA AND I am paying the salaries, building costs, book costs, bus costs and every other cost variable that created and is maintaining that school. Therefore, I have a voice and a stake in how it is run and will continue to voice my opinion and respect your right to do so as well. NCA's mismanagement of their budget, hiring mistakes and nepotism concern every single taxpayer in Idaho no matter their religion or political ideology. I would hope that each parent of an NCA student would also be concerned about the mistakes and misrepresentations that are rampant under the leadership of the MOffetts. It's a shame that your devotion to the MOffetts takes priority over the best interests of the children and the Nampa community. Hopefully, the board members who have left in disgust will assist the Charter Commission in their efforts to right the wrongs inherent in NCA. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to create unnecessary pet projects that serve only a few who then choose to flout the very laws their projects were created under.
BlueinIdaho - 11:19 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Yet again... another "Moffett" supporter that does not practice the Core Values that they preach. What a shame! For the sake of my children I pray that you are not faculity or administration of NCA. What happened to Respect and Civility? It seems to me all the true colors are coming out. "Men are respectable only as they respect"- Ralph Waldo Emerson
greaterthingsinlife - 8:27 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Truth always prevails. If those board memebers really thought they were right, they had the majoity they could have done anythign they wanted. If they thought what they were doing was just they would have stayed and fought. If they thought that NCA was goign down they would have pulled their kids. In fact non of them have according their statements. Hummm must not be as bad as they say it is.
NCA Supporter - 1:31 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Maybe they believed that by leaving there would be less disruption to NCA students? That's honorable and in fact, Kyle Borger spoke of doing that very thing when the school first opened. To stay in continued disruption and devisiveness serves no one except those whose main concern is to push their own agenda regardless of the best interests of the students. As far as leaving their kids there, the issue has not yet risen to the level of scrutiny to determine what the kids are learning and how well they are learning, but it will get there eventually. I will tell you this, had my relative known that the facilities would be what they are today and not what was promised; had they known that teachers would be hired who are not qualified; had they known that an inherent conflict of nepotism would be rampant in the school; had they known that the Bible use would be the main focus; and had they known that the funds would be completely mismanaged...they would have never enrolled. I imagine that to be case with the majority of the parents who haven't quite become devoted followers of 'all things Moffett', at all cost.
BlueinIdaho - 8:49 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Out of curiosity, does anyone have FACTUAL knowledge of how many children have been pulled out of NCA since the beginning of the school year? It's easy to make the claim that the majority of parents are satisfied that their children are receiving a quality education, but without some actual data on student attrition, there doesn't seem to be a good way to gauge parent satisfaction with the school, or with the Moffetts' leadership. The school may well survive these "growing pains," as Mike Moffett understates, but the remarkable ability of the Moffetts to drive away people who seemed truly concerned with the success of the school, and who have given much time and effort toward that end, does not increase the school's chances of weathering this storm. Quite the opposite, obviously, as even hand-picked new and future board members may be just as likely to find issue with the founders' management style. True leadership is not all about popularity, but when mutiny occurs in the military, the Court Martial looks long and hard at not only the conduct of the mutineers, but also at the leadership skills of the commander who allows the problems in his command to fester to the point of fomenting rebellion. It is truly unfortunate that Isaac and Mike Moffett seem to be accountable to noone, so there's apparently no way to check their exercise of power if it becomes excessive or abusive. Are the Moffetts truly the living incarnation of Thomas Jefferson, as they seem to view themselves, or more like Humphrey Bogart's character, "Captain Queeg" in "The Caine Mutiny"? Time will tell.
Hoping for the Best - 5:24 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“In reference to your military comments about leaders and comanders, the Moffetts were not comanders in this. The former cjairman resigned remember. He was at the helm of the Academy. I think everyone who does not like the Moffetts want to see this fail just for an "I told you so" moment. They could care less about students, teachers, or families that this would affect.
fredomof education - 6:58 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“I bet m4liberty can answer to that. Am I the only one that finds it ironic that m4liberty knows everything about this charter situation. m4liberty or Moffett???
uvm88 - 10:18 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Or is he or she someone who knows the facts by attending baord meeetings? Of course no one on here ever thought about attending board meetings to obtain any facts. But then spitting out opinions is an easyer way to muddly the truth and hide behind a smoke screen.
NCA Supporter - 1:34 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“No I am not Moffett,but I have attended several board meeting since the school began even before the doors opened, I have attended state training on Charter Schools, and I believe what is going on is a personal attack rather than the best interest of the Academy. If you want to know something why don't you aske those involved. I did that. However, when the Board that represents me as a stakeholder would not even answer the questions asked of them at a pulic meeting, but can send letters to the charter comission and newspaper I wonder which side to believe.
m4liberty - 11:00 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“I would have to disagree. The Moffets are better at deflecting than m4liberty. My vote would be it's a faculty member. It is someone that doesn't actually represent the majority of parents at NCA. The parents that truly want this "public" school to survive tend to speak softer and stay out of the nasty politics. m4liberty is likely either part of the hidden agenda or they just follow blindly. "To follow by faith alone is to follow blindly" Benjamin Franklin.
greaterthingsinlife - 8:39 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Everyone can assume who I am or what I do, but you are all wrong. I know because i look at both sides without an agenda. Yes I do agree with the Moffetts and trhe original intent of this academy. That is my right. I am not faculty, I am not a Moffett, I am a parent. And it seems now that the personal attack has crept over to me. I find this amazing to see that because someone may know more about a situation than others because of taking the time to verify information, they are now acused as being an insider or part of the "agenda". There is no agaenda but to offer a charter school as it was presented and described to all of the individuals that are attending. Again I say that there are not that many unhappy parents. I do not know the actual numbers but they have not lost that many students. As far as the posts I am done now. Stay ignorant, have your opinion yau are all entitled to that. I know that may not follow the core values as people have mentioned, but all of this has not and quit being hypocritical and let the Academy that was approved to use everyones tax money as is several others because of laws that have been established by your representatives educate children.
m4liberty - 11:16 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“And are the parents of your relative happy with the education their child is receiving? If not, I'd encourage them to address it directly with school officials, but I'm guessing that they are happy, as are the majority of parents there. Or maybe you don't think highly enough of their ability to make the best decisions for their child simply because it may not be the same choice you make? Either way, you didn't answer my questions. To which of our fine traditional public schools do you send your children? How many school board meetings and individuals involved with the running of the school have you met? How many dissatisfied parents have you spoken with? What evidence do you have to support your wild accusation that nca wants to justify slavery and the slaughter of native americans? You're so generous with your opinions that I thought you might want to give us a little more information.
schoolchoice - 4:09 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Where my children attend school is irrelevant to the topic, so I won't feed your curiosity. Again, my concern is not based upon parent dissatisfaction, it is based upon the use of public funds to create a pet project of the Moffetts that also provided them with selfserving, government paid jobs. The school was not needed and has been mismananaged from the beginning. I do not believe the resigning board members nor the parents of NCA students understood the underpinnings to the intent of the Moffetts when they created this school. Had they done some homework though, they may have realized the real "vision".
BlueinIdaho - 6:06 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Blue - so OK if you don't want to answer the question about where your children go to school. My guess is that they're in a private school anyway, that's how much you think of our fine traditional public schools you want the rest of us to be stuck with. We can tell much by the other questions you don't want to answer, though. I'm guessing your relatives are happy, you haven't bothered to attend a board meeting or meet any of the people involved in the school before you offer your generous opinions. You are constantly commenting on what you believe the parents and former board members believed and wanted, but is any of that based on a single conversation you have had with any of them or your own imaginings? Your claim to care about tax dollars seems false when the majority of your comments spout off about other things. And please, I really do want to know, for the third time, what evidence do you have that nca wants to teach kids that slavery or the slaughter of native americans was justified? If you threw around an audacious comment like that without merit, how is anyone supposed to put any stock in any of your other comments?
schoolchoice - 8:03 AM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Schoolchoice, you do not have to be stuck with any school, public or private. But, if you are going to build a school with our tax dollars, the least you could do is not masquerade as a public school when the intent is classical CHRISTIAN education. Additionally, if you truly want this school to succeed, why not join in and fix the wrongs instead of attempting to silence those who have pointed them out? Many charter schools have failed through mismanagement, and do you know what that means? It means, you and I flushed our money down the toilet. It pains me to see this happening in Nampa. The costs of this school have been not only those directly with the school funding, but spilled over to other schools. Did it occur to you that the schools who lost enrollment to NCA may have had to struggle because of a decrease in enrollment? Some private schools had to let go qualified teachers. For what? For a mismanaged plot of dirt with portable buildings and government paid salaries for the MOffett clan? As for my comments regarding slavery and native americans, those are directly related to comments made regarding NCA's model based on Logos in Moscow. Several other "classical" schools across the country have adopted the Logos Model and use their booklets as source material in the classroom. Some of these booklets teach students that slaves were "happy" and the slaveowners were "kind", and that is wasn't an "adversarial relationship." Is that what you would like NCA children taught? Moffet has stated that NCA was modeled after the Logos school structure and even indicated that NCA students will be able to review the western expansion and its impact on Native Americans in a different "context" than is taught in traditional education. These are not "baseless" allegations and I encourage you to learn more about the vision planned for this school, if for no other purpose than to ensure that this darker vision never reaches fruition.
BlueinIdaho - 12:17 PM, Friday November 6, 2009
“Are you kidding me! The Moffett's have never said that NCA is modeled after Logos. In fact they have always said NCA is modeled after Hillsdale Academy and The Vanguard School. They have wrote this in the charter. Again just more evidence that you dont know what you are talking about.
NCA Supporter - 11:48 AM, Tuesday November 10, 2009
“NCA Supporter, I would guess that BlueInIdaho is referring to an article in a Boise publication, dated July 8th, 2009, which includes this bit: "According to Moffett, the Christian classical school movement started in the 1980s in Moscow, Idaho, with the Christ Church-affiliated Logos School. The Association of Classical and Christian Schools is also located in Moscow and Moffett has met with that group, but Nampa Classical is not a member. Moffett said his school is not of the Christian classical variety, but a hybrid of the moral and democratic schools of classical education." (http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/classical-class/Content?oid=1098884)
While you and I are free to make our own interpretation of this information, it does seem that Isaac Moffett has met with members of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, and he does seem to indicate that he has been influenced by a model that originates with Logos -- and certainly seems to be conferring with a number of entities to gain insight into how to infuse his Christian beliefs into a public school setting at NCA. It is this that so many find so troubling. It's a clear violation of the Separation Clause of the US Constitution. Blue's claims may be the subject of debate, but there are real and verifiable reasons for his (and my, and many others') concerns.
Hoping for the Best - 4:58 PM, Tuesday November 10, 2009
“Blue- after reading your comment, I asked some teachers and others at the academy to show me the Logos Booklets you claim they have. Not one of them could produce a booklet and said that NCA has never had any of them nor do they even plan to get them. From what I can see is you are putting words in their mouth and books in their posession without really knowing much about the school.
fredomof education - 8:46 PM, Friday November 6, 2009
“To add to that there are other founders and not just the Moffetts. Yeah they may be friends, but many Ccharted schools are founded by people that do not have administration, education, or business degrees and most succeed because of appointing and hiring people that can do these things as did NCA.
m4liberty - 5:10 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Let's get the facts right. A total of 9 members have resigned since June 2009. Maybe some of you do not know that there were two board members who resigned prior to the 7 that we have heard about recently. Trouble with developers, misunderstandings with the commission, vision problems with board members. . . can't believe all of these individuals are in the wrong, Moffett brothers!
educate - 3:51 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Amen! The numbers speak for themselves so do all the resignation letters.
greaterthingsinlife - 5:38 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“The other 2 that resigned was for personal reasons to spend time with family again.
m4liberty - 4:52 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“I'm just glad that the Nampa School District had the foresight not to issue these folks a charter. Obviously they saw through them for what they really are; a private school.
uvm88 - 1:44 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“The Nampa School District did not want to allocate the resources to any Charter School. It is common practice of most districts right now. They refer them to the state to keep from having to deal with the paperwork and oversight necessary for a chartering entity.
m4liberty - 2:56 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“then tell me Mr Moffett, who just approved and sponsored the O.W.L. charter less than 6 months ago.
uvm88 - 7:02 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Why don't you ask Mr. Moffett then? I am not him. I was not aware of the O.W.L. Charter. I do know that a lot of districts do not want to deal with a bunch of charters. Quite a few in the regional area go through the state.
m4liberty - 2:23 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“Unfortunately, you are incorrect. There is a charter school in the city that is authorized by the NSD. Please get your fact stright prior to stating them...
simply amazed - 5:46 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“I did not say that were none, but the district approved charters are slowly diminishing. As I stated most districts do not have the resources to allocate to a charter school right now. The district approved charter that you reference was approved years back.
m4liberty - 10:47 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“BlueinIdaho may be clever, but not accurate. He knows very little outside of laymen cliches on classical education. But I cannot blame him since Tom, Dick, and Isaac have tarnished the good name of classical education under a bible-thumping intolerance. However, I feel badly for the parents, who may see their dreams of classical education go up in smoke of an state board inquisition. And if the kindling is laid at Isaac's feet, it will be a self inflicted wound.
hindsight - 1:12 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“I do not know where people get off saying that NCA is Bible thumping. IT has to do with using original text to study history. If you want to understand the Native Americans wouldn't you read from their writings to understand it best. The same goes for the Hebrews, the Arabs, the Romans, the Greeks, and so on. It is not about religion or "Bible Thumping". It is about culture and history. Besides, if you are worried about tax payer money paying for Bibles then consider this. Libraries at several Boise High Schools have copies of the Koran, Holy Bible and other religious text in them paid for by your tax money. Oh my! Maybe we should cry out on that too, but we don't because it is not a charter school or something some people want to see go away.
m4liberty - 5:03 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“I am saddened to hear that the rest of the previous board has chosen to resign instead of work with the new members. I was hoping they all could set differences aside and work together. Instead of helping to clear up the issues they all have just resigned and handed the mess to the new members and founding members. As a parent I do appreciate their service and I wished it could have gone differently. Now it is up to the remaining individuals to correct any issues that may be there and move the Academy forward.
m4liberty - 10:45 AM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“What are you doing to help? What solutions do you have, other than complaining on this forum about everybody else?
simply amazed - 6:03 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“What are you doing to help? What solutions do you have, other than complaining on this forum about everybody else?
simply amazed - 5:50 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“So, the Moffett's managed to run off all of the original board members. That's really a shame as it appears that if you do not agree with the Moffetts you're not welcome in leadership of NCA. I hope the parents of NCA students recognize that this school is not about independent thinking, but about the Moffett's personal grudge against traditional, secular education. The bullying of the board members and the Moffet's attempts to smear them and lay the blame at their feet alone, is just one more indication of the real Moffett "vision".
BlueinIdaho - 10:41 AM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“You know, It wasn't just the Moffett's who were extremley dissapointed in the actions and attitudes of the former board members. The majority (as I understand it) of the parents whos children we have committed to this school, learning system, and vision, were not convinced that the "prior" board had our children or the school as we committed to, as thier driving force for the actions they had been taking. this charter school is a School of Choice. That means we Choose to send our children to the school our tax dollars are paying to support as it was explained to us. We choose to support the Moffett's in providing us with the Classical Education model as explained prior to school starting. If you don't like it, you have the Choice to Not send your children to this school.
Trina - 12:16 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Is it just me or does anybody else wonder how a person without any real time in a classroom became the leader of a brand new charter school? A guess anybody that spends a few days as a sub and gets the degree can run a charter. This charter will sink like the Titanic with the ledership in place.
NCA joke - 11:20 AM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“I beg to differ. 3 of the original founders of this academy including one of the Moffetts all have there educators certification from the state of Idaho. The other 2 have business degrees. Tom Luna does not have classroom experience as an educator but he runs the State Department of Education.There are people with plenty of experience involved with this Academy. Thank you. The headmaster and staff have numerous years of experience. There are several Charter Schools across the state that started with an idea that does not always come from educators, teachers, or what ever. A lot of the time it is just parents. You are being ignorant to think that there is no educators running this Academy and are just showing a bias against the Moffetts. whethter you lke them or not the students are thriving.
m4liberty - 2:52 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“With all that experience, you would think that Conflicts of Interest could be identified and avoided. Having relatives of board members working at the school is a direct conflict of interest. It's not that hard to see (if your are really looking)...
simply amazed - 5:53 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Even the Board's attorney stated there is no legal conflict of interest.
m4liberty - 2:25 PM, Thursday November 5, 2009
“I've wondered that all along. These parents put trust in two individuals who had no experience in education and simply didn't like that kids are taught that our history documents not only America's successes, but our failures as well. Losing the textbooks the "classical" way, allows this school to justify both slavery and the slaughter of native americans, and indoctrinate the kiddies in the great, white, Christian way. This school has misspent tax dollars, hired teachers who are not properly certified, misled the parents as to the facilities that would be available, and thumbed its nose at the state of Idaho in blatantly using the Bible in the classroom. Heck, the Bible was listed on the NCA Summer Reading list...by Isaac himself. I think the state of Idaho has failed the taxpayers and children of this state by allowing a system to be in place that allows anyone with a pipe dream to compete against our public schools for tax dollars---and then put themselves and their family on the payroll! I find it especially hard to believe that the very conservative citizens of Idaho would put up with this fleecing of our tax dollars. They won't vote to fund a new school or a new jail, but they'll allow their tax dollars to be handed over without question to any Tom, Dick or Isaac who comes knocking. Go figure.
BlueinIdaho - 11:53 AM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Blue - I'm just curiouis about a few things. Which of our fine traditional public schools do you send your own children to (assuming you have some)? How many board meetings have you attended and individuals involved have you met? How many dissatisfied parents have you spoken with? Exactly what evidence do you have that the school is trying to justify slavery or the slaughter of native americans? Surely you wouldn't make an allegation like that without some proof. You have so much to say every time an article is published, and I'm just curious exactly what your stake in this is. The parents of the children at this school are not idiots. They can and will remove their children if it appears that they are not receiving a good quality education. So far, most seem satisfied, at least judging by the posts.
schoolchoice - 2:13 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Schoolchoice, I have a relative at NCA. My concern is not primarily with the satisfaction of the parents at NCA, but with the use of public funds to build an unnecessary school that is attempting to use the Bible in the classroom. I am aware that these public funds have been misspent, that the facilities promised will not be built, and that some teachers are not properly certified. That is misuse of our taxdollars and in a time when every penny counts, that means a lot to residents of Nampa. I am also aware of the background of the Moffetts and their previous statements regarding American history and creationism. I am ultimately surprised that these parents would gamble with the education of their children in a school led by two individuals who have no experience in school administration or any significant experience in teaching. I am encouraged by your representation that the parents are intelligent enough to know whent to pull their children out of the school. So far though I've witnessed mostly steadfast devotion to the Moffetts from NCA parents and their illogical assertions that the publicly-funded school should be run without oversight. I honestly hope the school succeeds, but believe wholeheartedly that with the Moffetts running the kingdom it will encounter more and more expenses and mistakes in judgment. If the MOffetts truly were loyal to NCA, they would back out and let the board run it independently. Unfortunately, that will never happen with the egos and selfserving attitudes of these two.
BlueinIdaho - 3:47 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Blue - And are the parents of your relative happy with the education their child is receiving? If not, I'd encourage them to address it directly with school officials, but I'm guessing that they are happy, as are the majority of parents there. Or maybe you don't think highly enough of their ability to make the best decisions for their child simply because it may not be the same choice you make? Either way, you didn't answer my questions. To which of our fine traditional public schools do you send your children? How many school board meetings and individuals involved with the running of the school have you met? How many dissatisfied parents have you spoken with? What evidence do you have to support your wild accusation that nca wants to justify slavery and the slaughter of native americans? You're so generous with your opinions that I thought you might want to give us a little more information.
schoolchoice - 7:58 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
“Blue- understand the charter law. The fact that the are not building the building next year is not misuse of taxpayer funds. The state requires the school to operate without funds allocated for buildings and facility maintenance. They have to pinch pennies or do outside fundraising to be able to afford a building. There was just not enough funding available to build right now and the Moffetts were pointing that out to be fiscally responsible.
m4liberty - 4:51 PM, Wednesday November 4, 2009
