LEMON GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT                                  

 

PHILOSOPHY-GOALS-OBJECTIVES AND COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

BP 0420.4

 

Charter Schools

 

 

 

The Governing Board believes that charter schools may provide an opportunity to implement school-level reform and to support innovations that improve student learning.  These schools shall operate under the provisions of their charters, federal laws and general oversight of the Board.

 

As needed, the Superintendent or designee may work with charter school petitioners to establish workable plans for technical assistance or contracted services that the district may provide to the proposed charter school.

 

Criteria for Granting Charters

 

In determining whether to grant or deny a charter, the Board shall carefully review the proposed charter and any supplementary information, consider public and staff input, and determine whether the charter petition adequately addresses all the provisions required by law and administrative regulations.  In making such decisions, the Board will be guided not only by the value of the charter school’s educational mission but also by issues of student safety and legal liability.  The Board shall not deny a charter school petition unless specific written factual findings are made pursuant to law.

 

The Board prefers that charter schools be operated as or by a nonprofit public benefit corporation as specified in Education Code section 47604.

 

The Board also shall assess community support for the charter school and the ability of the school to provide opportunities not currently available at district schools.  The charter school petitioner shall provide the Board with information about:

 

1.   How its program will serve low achieving and other special needs students

 

2.   The facilities to be used by the school

 

3.   The financial relationship between the charter school and the district

 

4.   The way in which the school's administrative services and other noninstructional services will be provided

 

5.   Potential civil liability effects upon the school and the district

 

6.   Any additional information required by the Board regarding proposed operations and potential effects that may result from granting the charter 

 

The Board shall ensure that any charter granted by the Board contains adequate processes and measures for holding the school accountable for fulfilling the terms of its charter.  These shall include, but not be limited to, fiscal accountability systems as well as appropriate measures for evaluating the educational program.  To assist the Board in its general oversight responsibility, charters shall provide written reports to the Board and Superintendent related to the charter provisions.  Such reports shall be provided upon request and at least twice a year, once before January 1 and again before June 30.

 

 

LEMON GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT                                  

 

PHILOSOPHY-GOALS-OBJECTIVES AND COMPREHENSIVE PLANS

BP 0420.4

 

Charter Schools – Page 2

 

 

 

In granting charter petitions, the Board shall give preference to schools best able to provide comprehensive learning experiences for academically low-achieving students according to standards established by the California Department of Education.

 

Charter Renewals and Revocations

 

When the term of a charter is due to expire, the Board shall evaluate the charter school's performance and determine whether to renew the charter for an additional term.  Renewal shall be subject to the school's ability to demonstrate reasonable progress toward the goals specified in its charter, including but not limited to evidence of student achievement and other student outcomes; compliance with legal requirements; fiscal management; parent/guardian, student and staff satisfaction with the program; and the ability of the school's governance structure to provide access and accountability to the public.  The Board may require that the school amend its charter to address new issues before granting renewal.

 

During the term of any charter, the Board may offer assistance as warranted and/or may revoke the charter if deemed necessary in accordance with state law and administrative regulations. 

 

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

41365 Charter school revolving loan fund

44237 Criminal record summary

44830.1 Certificated employees, conviction of a violent or serious felony

45122.1 Classified employees, conviction of a violent or serious felony

47600-47616.5 Charter Schools Act of 1992

51747.3 Apportionments for independent study

54032 Limited English or low-achieving pupils

60605 Academic content and performance standards; assessments

60640-60647 Standardized Testing and Reporting Program

GOVERNMENT CODE

54950-54962 The Ralph M. Brown Act

PENAL CODE

667.5 Prior prison terms, enhancement of prison terms

1192.7 Plea bargaining limitation

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

11960 Regular average daily attendance in charter schools

78 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 253 (1995)

78 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 297 (1995)

80 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 52 (1997)

Desert Sands Unified School District and Washington Charter School v. Public Employment Relations Board and California School Employees Association and its Desert Sands Chapter #106, Case No. BC126357, Superior Ct, County of Los Angeles

Evensen v. Vicki L. Barber et al, (1996) No. PV 94-0465, Superior Court, County of El Dorado

 

 

Adopted:  7/13/99

Revised:  5/8/01