Board approves closure of Mount Signal Virtual Academy; students to be served at Central and Southwest

The Central Union High School District board voted to approve Resolution 051325Dash30 on May 13, authorizing the closure of Mount Signal Virtual Academy and the transfer of its students to long-term independent study programs at Central Union High School and Southwest High School.

Superintendent Dr. Farkas explained the action as a transfer of students and services rather than an elimination of programs: “we're going to have long term independent study at our 2 comprehensive high schools,” he said during the meeting. He told the board the same staff who served Mount Signal will be absorbed into the two comprehensive sites and that most positions will be retained; there will be only one classified assignment change.

Dr. Farkas said district leaders met with Mount Signal staff and later held a parent meeting at the district office; about a dozen parents and students attended the parent meeting and were reassured that services and staff would continue under the comprehensive-site model. He described the arrangement as intended to better connect students to on-campus activities, counseling and potential on‑ramp transitions for students who later wish to attend classes on a comprehensive campus.

The resolution includes a finding that the closure is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and authorizes the filing and recording of a notice of exemption. The board took a roll-call vote; trustees recorded affirmative votes and the resolution passed. No public comment objecting to the closure was recorded at the hearing.

The superintendent and district staff will carry out the administrative steps to transfer student records and maintain instructional and counseling services under the new site assignments.