Board members request public work session and communications plan on Schools of Hope colocation law
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Summary
Board members raised urgency about a new Schools of Hope colocation law and asked the superintendent and staff to schedule a public work session and a communications strategy so families understand potential charter colocations.
Several board members raised concerns about a new state law related to Schools of Hope and the potential for charter school colocations in district buildings. Member Gallo and others said other districts and state associations are already meeting to consider responses, and she urged the board to hold a public conversation and a communication strategy as letters arrive.
Nut graf: Board members said time is of the essence because districts are receiving letters about colocation eligibility; they asked for a public work session rather than waiting for the December 9 communications meeting so the board and the public can discuss what schools might be affected and how the district plans to respond.
Member Gallo said boards around the state are already meeting and noted some letters intended for Orange County were misdirected to neighboring districts. She asked for a clear public plan so parents know which schools may be eligible and what the district intends to do. No formal timeline was adopted in the work session, but several members agreed a work session should precede communications planning.
Ending: Superintendent Dr. Vasquez acknowledged the issue and staff involvement with legal counsel and national/state working groups; the board indicated appetite for an expedited work session to discuss strategy and public messaging.
