Oasis Charter to eliminate 7th and 8th grades

In spite of passionate opposition by some parents, officials with Oasis Charter Public School in Salinas decided to eliminate 7th and 8th grades from their school beginning the upcoming school year.

Perea wrote in an email the decision was arrived after "many" months of deliberations. The first meeting Perea refers to took place in November. The closure was originally scheduled to be voted on January, but board members requested more time to receive more information.

"Oasis has invited local middle school representatives and outgoing Oasis students to talk to Oasis 6th and 7th graders about the amenities their schools offer and to answer questions to help support transitioning students," Perea said.

Perea convinced officials the students would be better served if the school took a STEM approach in teaching -- that is, if it emphasized Science, Technology, Energy and Math. Administrators are "in the planning process of adding more K-6 grade multi-age classes and implementing pilot programs that emphasize science, technology, engineering, math and the arts," Perea said.