Sacramento charter school stays open as board reverses closure

Sacramento Charter School's Fate Hangs in the Balance as County Board Reverses Closure

In a dramatic turn of events, a controversial adult charter school in Sacramento, previously slated for closure, has been granted a reprieve. The Sacramento County Board of Education has overturned a decision by the Twin Rivers Unified School District, allowing Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools to continue its operations.

This pivotal decision brings a sigh of relief to thousands of students and dedicated staff who have navigated a turbulent period marked by site closures and layoffs. The initial move to shut down the school stemmed from a scathing state audit that revealed the improper collection of $180 million in public funding and numerous violations of educational regulations.

A Community Rallies for Second Chances

The atmosphere at the Sacramento County Board of Education meeting was electric, with hundreds of supporters, many arriving by bus, filling the venue. Clad in T-shirts proclaiming "It's never too late," they represented a diverse cross-section of the community, united in their plea for the school's survival.

Nearly 300 individuals packed multiple rooms, with about 40 sharing deeply personal stories. These testimonials painted a vivid picture of the school's impact, highlighting how it served as a vital lifeline for vulnerable adults seeking to improve their lives. Many spoke of learning English, earning long-awaited high school diplomas, and acquiring vocational skills.

One such individual, Sonya, a Sacramento mother of four, shared her emotional journey. "I want to get my diploma so I can put it on the wall," she stated, her voice trembling. "I’m 68 years old. It's time for me." Her words resonated with the palpable fear that the school's closure would extinguish the educational aspirations of many.

Navigating a Minefield of Oversight and Allegations

Highlands Community Charter, serving adult students through its California Innovative Career Academy and Horizon Community Charter schools, has become a symbol of both opportunity for underserved populations and the complexities of charter school oversight in California. The school's journey has been fraught with challenges, drawing scrutiny from state auditors and educational bodies alike.

The county board's decision was far from straightforward. Legal arguments presented to the board focused solely on whether the existing evidence supported the district's revocation of the charters. Board members grappled with conflicting narratives presented by the district and the charter school, leading to a lengthy and intense four-hour hearing.

Ultimately, the motion to reverse the revocation of each charter passed by a narrow 4-3 vote. This outcome provided a crucial opportunity for the school's leadership to address the issues that led to the crisis.

A New Chapter Under Renewed Leadership

Executive Director Jonathan Raymond, who took the helm of Highlands Community Charter in July following the public release of the audit, expressed his commitment to steering the institution toward a brighter future. "This vote gives our students and staff the opportunity to continue the important work of rebuilding this institution and delivering on our mission," Raymond stated.

He emphasized the school's dedication to its students, asserting, "Our students deserve stability, support and the opportunity to complete their education. We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement." Raymond, a former superintendent for Sacramento City Unified, has spent the past ten months working to restore confidence in the charter school.

Upon his arrival, Raymond initiated significant changes, including requesting the resignation of the former board members. He was inspired by the school's core mission and saw an opportunity to leverage his experience and relationships in Sacramento to rebuild public trust. Under his leadership, the school has revised its academic, operational, and fiscal policies to align with state law and its charter.

Rebuilding Trust and Restoring Integrity

Raymond acknowledged the shortcomings of the previous administration, stating, "Look, that was on someone else’s watch. It's not going to be on my watch." He has overseen the appointment of a new board, including three new members, signaling a fresh start for the organization.

The charter school, established in 2014, was designed to assist adult learners, including formerly incarcerated individuals and new immigrants, in obtaining diplomas, enhancing English language proficiency, or developing vocational skills. Within a decade, its reach had expanded significantly, serving approximately 13,700 students across 50 sites statewide.

The audit, which brought the school's financial and operational issues to light, also cast a critical eye on the oversight provided by Twin Rivers Unified, the County Office of Education, and the California Department of Education. The district, which benefited financially from its oversight role, faced questions about its diligence.

Twin Rivers Unified Weighs Its Next Move

With the county board's decision, Highlands Community Charter now returns to the oversight of Twin Rivers Unified. The district has the option to appeal this reversal to the California State Board of Education.

Zenobia Gerald, a spokesperson for Twin Rivers Unified, indicated that the district is carefully considering its next steps. "At this time, no decision has been made about whether to pursue an appeal," Gerald stated via email. "We’ll be discussing next steps with our Board of Trustees."

The district, which collected $12.9 million in oversight and facility fees from the charter school between the 2019-20 and 2023-24 academic years, was criticized in the audit for inadequate oversight. This criticism was echoed by some county school board trustees, who questioned the district's delayed response to the issues.

County school board trustee Heather Davis voiced her concerns during the meeting, asking, "Why is Twin Rivers so passionate now, when it was going on for a long time? Where were they?" Her questions highlighted the perceived inconsistencies in the district's actions.

A Glimpse into the Future: Seeking a New Authorizer

Despite the immediate victory, the path forward for Highlands Community Charter involves significant strategic planning. Jonathan Raymond is actively seeking a new authorizer, with Yuba City Unified in Sutter County emerging as a primary candidate.

Raymond has already submitted a petition to Yuba City Unified and has engaged in discussions with its leadership. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement by September, allowing the school to operate across both Sutter and Sacramento counties.

The prospect of relocating to Yuba City is driven by evolving demographic trends. "We’ve realized that a lot of the population we serve — immigrants and refugees — are now moving up to Sutter County because it's more affordable than Sacramento County," Raymond explained. "And there are also jobs up in Sutter County."

This potential expansion signifies a growing demand for the school's services. Following the audit, which led to the closure of many sites and the establishment of waiting lists, enrollment has seen a resurgence. Raymond noted an increase of 800 students since January, underscoring the continued need for adult education and vocational training.

Regardless of the geographical outcome, Raymond remains focused on his core objectives: building trust and restoring integrity, elevating operational, professional, and academic standards, and consistently prioritizing the best interests of the students. His ultimate promise is to transform Highlands Community Charter into an institution that the community, county, and state can be truly proud of.