Leaders of the Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy described the school’s career‑technical focus, project‑based learning and community partnerships at an initial charter renewal public hearing before the Sacramento City Unified School District board.

Morrie Elliott, assistant superintendent with Gateway Community Charters, and Summer Asch of SAVA told trustees the school serves a majority of unduplicated students and qualifies as a Dashboard Alternative School (DAS) because many students arrive credit‑deficient or with attendance challenges. They said SAVA blends academics with ten CTE pathways, dual enrollment with Los Rios Community College and partnerships with local agencies to reengage students.

SAVA leaders emphasized an in‑district example: an electric conversion of a 1964 Chevy Impala, a student project funded with K–12 strong workforce and other grants that synchronized cultural relevance, technical training and air‑quality goals. Janice Lamb Snyder, director of community air protection at the Sacramento Air District, praised the EV lowrider project as "shifting perception about electric vehicles" while preparing students for clean‑energy careers. A representative for Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra also voiced city support.

Students and alumni gave personal testimony. A current senior described leadership opportunities and internships he had through CTE pathways; alumni recounted SAVA's onboarding, one‑on‑one supports and an early‑graduation pathway. SAVA leaders cited a 93.6 percent one‑year graduation rate for 2023–24 and WASC accreditation through June 2028.

What happens next: the presentation was informational. Amanda (district staff) told the board SAVA’s formal petition will be reviewed according to Education Code timelines and that staff will return with a staff report. The board will consider a renewal vote at the November meeting; district staff said the review period is 90 days from petition receipt.

Ending: Several public speakers asked for board support for SAVA's renewal and invited trustees to visit campus. The hearing record will be part of the district staff analysis scheduled to be published in October.