Board renews City Arts & Tech’s charter for five years, with conditions on math and special‑education supports

The board approved a five‑year renewal for City Arts & Tech (CAT) after staff recommended renewal based on post‑secondary persistence and other indicators, while requesting follow‑up plans and conditions. Staff said statewide standardized assessment growth was mixed but that CAT reported strong postsecondary outcomes and a high graduation rate. The board recorded staff recommendations that CAT submit a detailed plan to the Chief Academic Officer to strengthen curricular connections to culturally relevant pedagogy, finalize a revised math curriculum or supplemental math supports, institute dedicated tier‑2 interventions, and bolster supports for students with IEPs.

CAT faculty, students and alumni testified during the meeting. Students described academic gains and creditable AP enrollment and cited the school’s portfolio defense model as a driver of confidence and postsecondary readiness; teachers emphasized small‑school relationships and culturally relevant instruction. Staff noted graduation and college‑preparation outcomes, and CAT confirmed it provided the requested follow‑up materials to the district by the deadline cited in the staff report.

The board adopted the renewal by roll call; the conditions are required reporting items during the renewal cycle. The board’s approval preserves CAT’s co‑location at 325 La Grande and authorizes enrollment and funding under the district’s oversight for the next five years.

What’s next: CAT will deliver the detailed plans to the Chief Academic Officer and report to the Charter Schools Oversight Committee by specified dates; the district will monitor implementation of the conditions as part of oversight duties.