[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6274178,"mediaKeyId","2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08","parentId",2994405,"title","Parents, union and advocates urge board to investigate Springs Charter special-education problems and paraeducator pay","audioSeconds",227,"startMs",2568000,"endMs",2795000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08&start=2568&end=2795","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08/thumbnail_2568000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6274178/California/Parents-union-and-advocates-urge-board-to-investigate-Springs-Charter-special-education-problems-and-paraeducator-pay","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274178-97108355bf1fd2971c66c2d9c7ed09ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152664&Signature=cEwB2~ARHlF~TKFPNz4Mher7D~2mpD52c9gRSEnslkFal8THy~oD6sJEmCSx8fIAfyqJt4aX796NPfL3IDzZDtf2qT2b5awJEMoGTIu3YTEI66-NQf7495sTi6y5L8mptAQmTRIvRnyoBZmHZKfzmp-LwxxoOWqDchUeIdOFUvJ7Dhz1y2qRqniU8j9cZLflEmQe3Q7Vpte3PbvbP6MN1ASrBIPfV-e1BCStrgLroO1B8o7760V5q5BtSTIThXckWgCKK7H~fCswCpQ~tXB23wfGG5MlQ~tDsfFeMjSwGm6XP~DrHhcvceTenk1HaZuvf4IN~MlMQX7Un~Jo7DlGgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Bernardino County Office of Education","date","2025-04-15T16:40:57.077Z","article","Members of the public and union representatives used the San Bernardino County Board of Education meeting to press the board to investigate complaints about Springs Charter Schools and to press for better pay and benefits for paraeducators.

At the meeting, several parents described repeated special-education failures they said they experienced at Springs Charter’s Rancho Cucamonga campus, including frequent, inconsistent Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents, missing credentialed staff, and no on-site nurse. Anna Salvatierra, who said her son has a neurologic condition, told the board, “There is no credential nurse on-site since December…this is a safety concern.” She asked the board to “place Springs Charter on the agenda and take steps to resolve these ongoing systemic issues.”

The public comments followed remarks from Springs Charter staff who thanked the county office for a site visit. “We believe in the power of partnership and transparency,” Courtney Cook, senior director of special education for Springs Charter Schools in San Bernardino County, told the board, and said Springs will present more about its programs at an upcoming May presentation.

Union representatives and classified employees linked the complaints about services to broader labor issues. “Most of our paraeducators make less than $30,000 a year,” Cameron Kretz, a labor relations representative for the California School Employees Association (CSEA), told the board. He said many paraeducators are being asked to pay higher health premiums than higher-paid county employees and called for the board and negotiators to address those disparities.

Paraeducators who spoke described years of service and specialized roles. Amber Covarrubias, who identified herself as a braille specialist, said she and colleagues were told by county negotiators that paraeducator jobs should be viewed as “a stepping stone” rather than as careers. “It is insulting to be told that being a teacher should be my career,” Covarrubias said, adding that many paraeducators do not want to or are not qualified to be classroom teachers and take pride in specialist roles such as braille transcription.

Several parents said they had filed or plan to reopen complaints to the California Department of Education. Rika Baum said she has had multiple, inconsistent IEPs for her son this school year and said she will reopen a CDE complaint after “many failed attempts” to resolve issues at the local level.

Board members did not debate or take action on these specific complaints during the meeting. At the close of public comment President Dowdy Rogers reminded speakers that the board may not engage in a substantive discussion of non-agendized items during the meeting. Several speakers urged the board to place Springs Charter on a future agenda for formal review and to require a staff report.

The board did not announce any immediate investigatory steps during the meeting. Several commenters said they would follow up with the county office and with state agencies.

Ending: The comments added to the board’s public record and members acknowledged receipt; several callers requested formal follow-up and an agenda item for a future meeting so the concerns can be discussed with staff and legal counsel.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Board Meeting April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Members of the public and union representatives used the San Bernardino County Board of Education meeting to press the board to investigate complaints about Springs Charter Schools and to press for better pay and benefits for paraeducators.","taxTitle","San Bernardino County Office of Education, School Districts, California","taxId",56354,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6274164,"Board approves agenda and minutes, and adopts updated independent-study policy after debate on public‑hearing requirement",8775,1923000,10698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08&start=1923&end=10698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08/thumbnail_1923000.jpg","/articles/6274164/California/Board-approves-agenda-and-minutes-and-adopts-updated-independent-study-policy-after-debate-on-publichearing-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274164-e254f88b205d64c1915273de3bf4ba50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152664&Signature=faUZQv0uG8hJ2AR5~2m9KzQpWdb6gRrJr4wEGaSiMtZH5FK2I4hbW-o4agkFmTsuz0eV--D4l0WN52WYot0jmNNJ25FL2DNiKFqaq8MJd9D~ss0E2jkasbnr5xP244z5hCFOoeZrkz0Jgvu3WTjX2jq0yI9nDTvFkZpgy5aE8F0uN29YL6l3LKhUF7MIvd2t6cVa~e2L1uZr03BV9ytu4~05soyqi-wn4Ewyw7QmjeeUUBJbRVnizfy9gvfGX1LnZgG78kgorD5u-C~3XyD1w7Lvv2hJgsZmdUV2LJbaKkxyZUV54sPyhW~YhIYTw5A0spD5sCrr9EYYZ-9tMQzF~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Bernardino County Board of Education handled routine business and a contested policy change during its public meeting.

Adoption of the agenda: The board approved the meeting agenda after a staff correction removed agenda item 11.3, a student expulsion and transfer workshop, because the presenter was unavailable. A board member moved to approve the agenda with that postponement and the motion carried by voice vote.

Approval of minutes: The board then considered approval of the March 10 minutes. Member Raja (identified in the record) said the minutes inaccurately summarized her comments on a charter approval and said she would submit a memo to Superintendent Ted Alejandre to correct the government record. After discussion the board approved the minutes; one board member abstained citing concerns about language accuracy in the minutes.

Independent study policy, second reading: At item 13.1 the board considered a revised board policy on independent study. Board members debated whether the revisions required a separate public hearing under Title 5 regulations. Trustee Fernandez Loof asked whether a public hearing had been held; staff said California Department of Education guidance they received did not require a separate public hearing for updating the board policy itself and that the policy could be adopted at a public meeting following standard policy readings.

Trustee De Leon said the Education Code and Title 5 require the local governing board to “consider in a public hearing the scope of its existing or prospective use of independent study” and expressed concern the required hearing had not occurred. The transcript shows an extended exchange between board members and staff about which code sections apply.

After the discussion a motion to adopt the policy at second reading passed by voice vote. The meeting record later shows Trustee De Leon said she did not vote and would abstain; at least one voice vote opposition was called during the roll call. Staff committed to follow up as necessary if additional procedural steps were required.

Ending: The board carried routine business and adopted the revised independent-study policy but members requested clarity and staff follow-up on whether the Title 5 public‑hearing requirement had been satisfied.","The San Bernardino County Board of Education approved an amended agenda, approved March 10 minutes after a member raised accuracy concerns, and adopted an updated independent‑study board policy at second reading after members debated whether state regulations required a separate public hearing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6274170,"Excelsior Charter reports enrollment surge to 2,476, mixed assessment results and launches beauty academy",684,8370000,9054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08&start=8370&end=9054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08/thumbnail_8370000.jpg","/articles/6274170/California/Excelsior-Charter-reports-enrollment-surge-to-2476-mixed-assessment-results-and-launches-beauty-academy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274170-c58542ac465e4ed06035d199e901fcf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152664&Signature=Ugz1TUrS3Bc0ORddsjpoMWyEIckkazQ5oF8do8EEEJv8d6h31L3mPtarOCJmP3C~2Ip3kNBeCgemomyZY1PONc7b-dDFuB9Iw6k1sYIS53EekWgpHCDk6us6mXOzRbSaKsj1dwKFWVL7~ejjWVlsvl9nHFLSV5BVHbhWmjAA~zYwTr3sGjERgCFfU0L7m5KfryBGGhEkO0sh6VPdVS1z9sxNK6mYfrgkHHrBWxovlNK2veX8PH3UTdAZRj~TpXSExDD32t-7oFQvrlN572Yth4KBZf0vD9HYw4SIqwtxGPP3RtMvebMDXegpFKjFj-JHsk1B9umA2D4Spgeapvh7MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Excelsior Charter School presented an annual update to the San Bernardino County Board of Education reporting substantial enrollment growth, demographic shifts and new career-technical programs.

Area leaders said Excelsior’s March 21 census count was 2,476 students, up from the October census; the school reported a roughly 20% increase over five years in both Hispanic students and students designated as socioeconomically disadvantaged, and said its English‑learner population has doubled over the same period.

Academic results were mixed. Presenters highlighted a math gain in the most recent California Alternative or State Assessment (CASP/CAAS comparisons) and noted a 4.5‑point improvement in math from the prior year; ELA results showed a similar decline and staffing turnover in some ELA grades was cited as a likely factor. Excelsior also said English‑learner progress on the state dashboard reached about 50.8 percent — a metric that pushed the charter into the state’s middle tier for renewal consideration, which the presenters said allows a five‑year renewal cycle.

The presentation described new CTE programming. Excelsior opened a state‑registered beauty academy with roughly 30 students this school year and expected about 10 students to complete the required hours for state licensure in June; the school reported it will articulate courses with Victor Valley College so students may complete remaining hours toward licensure. Leaders also said they absorbed students and staff after Encore Charter School closed during the winter break and are working to integrate those students across campuses.

Administrators said suspension rates were previously elevated but that the current suspension rate is lower (reported as 1.97 percent at the time of the presentation). The school said it uses interim assessment blocks (IAB/IABB) aligned to state tests to monitor progress and to trigger interventions; teachers and coaches meet to review data monthly.

Ending: The board received the report. Leaders said they will bring a renewal petition in the fall, and they invited board members to tour campus programs including the beauty academy.","Excelsior Charter School told the county board its enrollment has grown to 2,476 and that Hispanic and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations have risen; the school reported improved math CASP results but a decline in ELA and described a new state‑registered beauty academy and absorption of students from a closed charter.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6274174,"Entrepreneur High School highlights career pathways, eMindset gains and SkillsUSA/DECA success",825,6360000,7185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08&start=6360&end=7185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994405-f8d90e20c49475c6e91b2a650968dd08/thumbnail_6360000.jpg","/articles/6274174/California/Entrepreneur-High-School-highlights-career-pathways-eMindset-gains-and-SkillsUSADECA-success","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274174-1511a0538b4fa2ae9b1d06ff307a6a22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152664&Signature=KCODLMBymUsWGYplIOXWX-jb91vQxpjdtQRalCy11KpPzz6i9Q7PqfIMI7qBwJY-4m7IvermfSX~PYmj7wr-Tk~qVMnfwlQhGhRFjb5COx5tQH1eKouxS7zoemoauggNVKNI7fYCgajjFM0A77ktDKHZEohbkm8VxNabHX8MZhYNdb~hk8g01JEpnGGoOsQiQqG84SrLJILIigqE8oxAH9Q90KyLop-4A2JAd3USeZHjXCo73kpuFjM3HUvTXFzDw1DxtvIPdfGjp-BtK5pZP8sTCJgSu4uYuxPGuQMyLuaLQYgZX777JB5AgPYp-r7~0v56gv~HcTGtqHXRvGDQzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Entrepreneur High School principals and students presented an annual update to the San Bernardino County Board of Education emphasizing career and workplace programs, reduced disciplinary removals and improvements on a school-created entrepreneurial-mindset assessment.

Principal Deirdre Durham said the school continues to “incubate original business ideas” through student-run enterprises and partnerships that produce paid internships. Durham noted the school is preparing for a WASC accreditation visit in May and said “our DECA and SkillsUSA students have placed at the state and national levels.”

The presentation highlighted an internal tool the school calls the eMindset assessment. School staff reported a roughly 24% gain in eMindset scores from the start to midyear assessment window and said the goal is an 80% proficiency target on that measure by year-end. The principal and school leaders said they embed entrepreneurial thinking across classes, not solely in business courses.

Students described work-based learning and competitive opportunities. Marco Merida, a senior who said he made DECA nationals, called Entrepreneur High “an amazing school” that helped him “become more confident.” Alex Hernandez, another senior, said the school’s approach pushed him “to get out of my comfort zone” and helped prepare him for postsecondary plans.

Administrators reported that the school’s suspension rate fell this school year after the introduction of restorative practices and other behavioral supports. The presentation said the school expects incremental improvements on state assessments (via NWEA/CAAS projections) but acknowledged staff turnover has affected instruction in some grades.

Clarifying details and limits: presenters gave the school’s current enrollment as about 502 students. They reported a 2024 graduation rate of 88 percent and said a subset of seniors met A–G requirements for CSU eligibility; the presentation stated a figure of “74” in that context but the transcript’s cohort denominator was not clear. The presenters declined to claim the A–G rate would be final until final transcripts and state reporting are complete.

Ending: School leaders invited board members to tour the campus and to attend the June 5 graduation; no board action was required on the update.","School leaders told the county board that Entrepreneur High School (EHI) is seeing growth in career-technical programs, reduced suspensions and gains on an in-house eMindset assessment; students who spoke described internships and state/national competition placements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents, union and advocates urge board to investigate Springs Charter special-education problems and paraeducator pay

Board approves agenda and minutes, and adopts updated independent-study policy after debate on public‑hearing requirement

Excelsior Charter reports enrollment surge to 2,476, mixed assessment results and launches beauty academy

Entrepreneur High School highlights career pathways, eMindset gains and SkillsUSA/DECA success