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Meeting Date:
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Category:
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Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation (SASI) |
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Type:
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Subject:
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3. Action on a Recommendation to Approve the Renewal of the Non-Instrumentality Charter School Contract for Highland Community School, Inc. for Highland Community School |
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 1 Academic Achievement Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement Goal 3 Effective and Efficient Operations
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Attachments:
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Highland Application for Renewal
Highland Performance Summary
Highland Recommendation
Highland Contract |
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Highland Community School, located at 1706 West Highland Boulevard, was established as a non-instrumentality charter school beginning in 1996. During each renewal cycle, the Board has approved a five-year renewed contract. The current contract is for a maximum of 435 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils in grades K3 through 8.
Highland’s mission is to create a community of diverse families and educators working together to offer high quality Montessori education in a nurturing environment that enriches, empowers, and inspires children to reach their potential and encourages parents to become responsible for and involved with their children’s education.
In May 2024, the Department of Contracted School Services initiated the Charter School Review Process. On June 13, 2024, representatives from Highland submitted the Charter Renewal Letter of Intent and on August 13, 2024, Highland submitted its Charter Renewal Application to seek renewal of its charter school contract.
On October 15, 2024, the Charter School Review Team (Team) conducted a full-day site visit at Highland. The Team examined the school’s academic, financial, and organizational performance and met with school representatives to discuss the data relative to contract compliance and renewal. The Team reviewed additional responses and information provided by the school. The Team participated in classroom observations and heard testimony of parents, students, and staff.
Based on a thorough review of the evidence provided, the Team recommends a five-year renewal of the non-instrumentality charter school contract with Highland. This recommendation is based on strong academic performance, commitment to social justice, and a positive school culture.
The charter school renewal application, performance summary data, and Team’s recommendation are attached to this item. |
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Adoption of this item alone does not authorize expenditures. Pending contract approval, the funds for the charter school contract will be authorized as a part of the annual budget process. |
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Implementation and Assessment Plan: |
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Upon the Board’s approval, negotiations will begin between the Superintendent’s designee and representatives of Highland, in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney, in anticipation of developing a renewed charter contract to be presented to the Board. |
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Recommendation
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Your Committee recommends that the Board approve the renewal of a five-year non-instrumentality charter school contract with Highland Community School, Inc.; and authorize the Superintendent’s designee, in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney, to enter into negotiations with representatives of Highland Community School, Inc. for Highland Community School and to draft a renewed non-instrumentality charter school contract to begin with the start of the 2025-26 school year and end on the last regularly scheduled day of the 2029-30 school year. |
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Approvals:
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Recommended By: |
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Signed By: |
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Dr. Tina Owen-Moore - Board Clerk |
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