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It was with great distress that we read Woodland Hills School District Superintendent Walter M. Calinger's Perspectives piece comparing Woodland Hills to Propel Schools ("Apples to Apples," Oct. 27). The purpose of this response is not to argue about judgments, but to correct a few of his many factually inaccurate statements.

First, Propel's schools are public. We do not select students in any way.

Second, the arts are an integral part of Propel's success. Each of our K-8 schools has both a full-time music and a full-time art teacher. In addition, two local arts groups are in residence at each school every day.

Finally, Mr. Calinger states that, "when measured against Propel Homestead, with a student demographic much closer to ours, Woodland Hills students do better in every category in every grade."

The truth is quite the opposite. Students at Propel Homestead, just as those at every Propel school, are outperforming students in Woodland Hills -- in some areas quite significantly. For instance, 72 percent of Propel Homestead students met grade-level standards on state math tests (compared to 57 percent at Woodland Hills). The school's population is significantly more impacted by poverty (92 percent free-lunch eligible) than that at Woodland Hills (72 percent).

Advocates can disagree, but to build an argument on mistruths passed off as facts is a poor example for young people who look to adults for leadership -- and has no place in public education.

CAROL WOOTEN
Superintendent
JEREMY RESNICK
Executive Director
Propel Schools
South Side

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