Store Front Charter Schools

A letter from Springs Charter Schools Superintendent, 

Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer:

October 18, 2016

Dear Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts Parents & Families,

There has been a recent court decision that concerns our Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts student center. The decision has ruled that charter schools like ours can only operate student centers within the boundaries of the district they are authorized and in the adjacent counties, but not within other school districts in their county. The newspaper article linked below explains the details of the case, but what it means for our school is that we must organize and implement alternative authorization for our student center.

Since the decision will not be published by the court until November 16th, and since this decision affects more than 30,000 students across California, charter school advocacy groups are working feverishly to provide support and relief to charters affected by this change of policy. It is important to understand that the California Department of Education and the State Board of Education are not in alignment with this decision, since it reverses more than 15 years of acceptable operation by our type of school.

We believe we will have time to find an acceptable authorizer, or a waiver alternative, for our Otay Ranch Student Center. We have charters in Riverside County and in Orange County that could host this center as part of their schools, or we could seek local authorization from the local school district. Rest assured that we are committed to keep operating this center with the same wonderful staff, the same great programs and the same mission.

The link to the article (below) gives a "district-centric" view of the issue, but it summarizes the chain of events accurately. I have commented on the article if you scroll down, so feel free to add your voice too.http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-me-charter-ruling-20…

Meanwhile, as we sort out our solutions, be sure to vote (please consider charter-friendly candidates and propositions in all local elections) and talk about these issues and the importance of having high quality free public charter schools to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Spread the positive word of the benefits of public charter schools.

We will be keeping you updated as our plans develop, and we will expect your help in advocating for our school as we apply for a new charter, or a waiver, or whatever our solution may be.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer
Superintendent
Springs Charter Schools

Court ruling limits storefront charter schools

In a decision that could change the landscape of charter schools, a California appellate court ruled Monday that charters cannot legally expand throughout their home county by opening satellite campuses outside the district that authorized them.

SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM|BY SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE