Superintendent recommends nonrenewal for Chavez Huerta charter; district review finds fiscal and academic concerns

Superintendent Kimsey told the board she is recommending nonrenewal of Chavez Huerta K‑12 Preparatory Academy’s (CHPA) charter authorization based primarily on fiscal concerns identified by the district review team.

"After reviewing the application for myself, in addition to reviewing all of the recommendations from the review team, I am recommending to the board, nonrenewal of this charter application," Kimsey said.

CHPA dispute and context

CHPA representatives led by a Mr. Segura told the board they were surprised by the district recommendation and said the district did not request clarifying information before recommending nonrenewal. "We are a Hispanic serving institution that provides an opportunity for our kids to participate in maria folklorico dance, and Hispanic and cultural studies," Segura said, and asked the board to allow CHPA time to respond or to release the charter so CHPA could seek authorization elsewhere if the district recommendation stood.

District review findings

Assistant Superintendent Tom Johnson summarized the district review team's process and ratings. Key findings included:

- Introduction/staffing: "mostly developed" with concerns about limited staffing detail and rising staff turnover (staff turnover rose from 17.46% in 2020 to 30.61% in 2024 in materials the team reviewed). - Academic performance: concerns at the elementary and middle levels. The district noted declines in framework points and that some levels earned a turnaround plan classification; CHPA’s high school performance was stronger by comparison. - Educational program and professional development: the review…