Quote of note:

It's especially critical, she says, after a May 3 letter to parents signed by the PTO's executive board stating: "In light of the fact that various individuals and groups are trying to politicize the PTO, we have decided to cancel all further PTO meetings for the duration of the 2004-05 school year."

Charter threatens parents with lawsuit
By DAVE BREITENSTEIN, [email protected]
LISA RAMIREZ-JOHNSON, [email protected]

Charter Schools USA is threatening legal action against parents who use an Internet discussion board to air grievances about Gateway Charter.

Parent Angela Reigelman, who created the virtual forum, received a letter via FedEx on Thursday ordering her to remove the forum. The company also warned other Web contributors Thursday.

Postings on the forum address topics ranging from academics and school events to complaints about school leadership and rumor control.

Some parents bluntly state their dissatisfaction with teachers, Principal Deborah Nauss and Charter Schools USA President Jonathan Hage, who said Thursday the company will "vigorously defend" its reputation.

"CSUSA has reviewed the Web site and has determined that your and other parents' and other Web site participants' published accusations, comments and statements are unlawful, defamatory and libelous against CSUSA, Gateway Charter School and Dr. Nauss," attorney Lisa MacClugage stated in the letter to Reigelman.

"Accordingly, CSUSA hereby demands that you immediately cease and desist your continuous published libel and defamatory accusations, comments and statements."

Reigelman says the Web forum gives parents an open venue to discuss educational issues.