How can Fresno’s stellar University High be expanded?

Re: the Oct. 28 Bee article and the possibility of Fresno Unified School District revoking the charter of University High School.

We often hear and see evidence of University High’s amazing student achievements, resulting in national recognition. I often wonder why we never seem to see or hear about the school’s student-recruitment efforts to include children from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

It’s easy to produce high test scores if enrollment criteria is restrictive. A so-called “lottery” system can mean that letters are sent out to targeted students: special invitations to selected families who might not consider such a unique charter, but whose child fits the school’s idea of a prime candidate.

Isn’t this still called “stacking the deck?” Why not publicize this school openly, allow anyone who is interested to apply with multiple criteria: teacher recommendations, student essay, achievement history, community service history, and the student’s overall potential to succeed in a charter environment?

Then, instead of worrying about the renewal of the school’s charter, the discussion might be about how to expand this stellar school, making it accessible to even more families who see its value.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 8:02 PM with the headline "How can Fresno’s stellar University High be expanded?."