(Mendocino) Grand jury: Charter schools threatened by legislation

By KEELY BRAZIL The Daily Journal
Updated: 07/05/2011 12:00:10 AM PDT

The 2010-2011 Mendocino County Grand Jury released a report about its look at Mendocino County charter schools which concludes among other things that drop-out rates are lower in charter schools and that a bill introduced in the state Legislature could put a crimp in charter schools' ability to continue to grow.

In preparation for this report, the grand jury conducted a review of four charter schools in the county: Redwood Academy of Ukiah, Accelerated Achievement Academy, Eel River Charter School, and River Oak Charter School.

The grand jury found that of the eight charter schools in Mendocino County, seven offer site-based instruction and one an Independent Study program. Four are overseen by the Ukiah Unified School District.

Charter schools are tuition-free, open enrollment public schools managed by local educators, parents, and community leaders. Each offers a curriculum with an individualized approach, and each has a board which makes decisions about the best interests of students and faculty, independent of the Ukiah Unified School District or whatever school district under which they are chartered (it doesn't have to be local).

Parental involvement is strongly encouraged at charter schools, the report states; parents volunteer time during each school year. Students are not required to live in the same county as their charter school of choice in order to attend. Organized sports are not offered, but mini grants and fundraising provide elective programs such as music, culture studies, and art. State and federal laws mandate that special education services be offered to students with exceptional needs in all schools, including charter schools.

Charter schools are funded according to enrollment and receive General Purpose Grant funding (like a mainstream school's average daily attendance per-child allocation) along with additional grants. With lower payrolls, operating expenses and fewer amenities, charter schools cost less to operate than traditional schools, saving taxpayer money.

The grand jury found that dropout percentages in charter schools are much lower than traditional schools. They attribute student success to parent, teacher, and community involvement in charter schools.

The grand jury report noted that proposed Assembly Bill 1172 would cause dramatic changes in charter school law by denying charter school petitions in case of negative financial impact on a school district, decreasing appeal rights, and completely restricting charter schools' ability to serve students. Ukiah Unified School District, for instance, has cited charter schools as one reason its student population - and finances - are in retreat.

In light of this, the grand jury feels that the legislation is not conducive to the best interest of children.

Within the report, the Mendocino County grand jury recommends that charter schools continue pursue educational goals by collaborating with non-profit agencies and community organizations and to apply for additional grant funding.

The grand jury also recommends that charter schools continue to encourage physical activity, since most do not have expensive playground equipment, and the acquisition of life-skills such as home economics, budget management, and vocational skills.