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Twin Rivers expands charter oversight after CDE revokes Highlands DAS status; board presses for more data
Summary
District staff told the board that CDE revoked Highlands' Dashboard Alternative School (DAS) designation in December 2024 and presented an expanded oversight plan; trustees and public speakers pressed staff on attendance practices, credentialing and audits and asked for ongoing, written updates.
Marcy Bernard and other district oversight staff presented the board with the district's annual independent charter oversight report and an updated oversight plan, saying they have stepped up reviews, site visits and consultant support after recent audits and state decisions.
"The CDE revoked it," a district presenter said of Highlands' DAS designation, noting the revocation letter issued in December 2024 and that the district is now using clearer California Department of Education guidance to evaluate charter renewal tracks. Staff told trustees Highlands Community Charter and its related technical schools are "off track" in academics and governance and that several required actions and concerns remain, including attendance-taking procedures, teacher credentialing and outstanding 2023-24 financial reports pending an audit extension.
Trustees and members of the public pushed for specifics. Trustee questions focused on what the revocation means for renewal, how the district will observe credentialing and classroom instruction directly, and whether the district can escalate problems before a charter's renewal. In response, oversight staff said they are increasing direct observations, reviewing financial and governance materials, and will report back to the board as findings develop and as external audit and JLAC (Joint Legislative Audit Committee) reports are finalized.
Public commenters raised long-standing concerns about Highlands' operations. Araceli Perez said she had urged investigations into attendance and governance and asked the board to use its authorizing role to enforce compliance. District staff said the authorizing responsibilities are distinct from day-to-day school operations but that the district will follow Ed. Code processes for oversight and escalate matters that present statutory noncompliance.
The board asked for follow-up materials, printed copies of oversight reports, and more detailed timelines for when outstanding audits and corrective actions will be available. District staff said they expect one fiscal audit to be finalized in mid-April and the JLAC report in June and pledged to return with specific action items and status updates.
The presentation did not include any formal board action to revoke or nonrenew a charter; staff characterized current work as oversight, fact-finding and required follow-up under state law and the district's authorizing responsibilities.
