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SFUSD Board Renews City Arts and Tech Charter Despite Concerns Over Suspension Rates
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District Board voted to renew the City Arts and Tech High School charter after extended public testimony from students, parents and staff and a lengthy Q&A about discipline. Board members pressed the operator on high suspension data and counseling-out claims; Envision and school leaders denied coercion and promised reductions.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board on March 22 granted a five-year renewal of the City Arts and Tech (CAT) High School charter after extensive public testimony from students, staff and parents and a focused review of discipline practices. The vote carried on roll call; the board recorded six votes in favor and one opposed.
Principal Brianna Wynn, who identified herself as CAT’s principal, told the board the school had been operating for 12 years and emphasized student outcomes, including a 95 percent graduation rate for the senior class and high college acceptance rates. Students, alumni and parents described hands-on instruction, portfolio defenses and internships as central to the school’s success.
Several commissioners pressed CAT and its authorizer, Envision Education, about a spike in suspensions and whether students had been counseled—effectively asked—to leave the school. Commissioner [identified in the record as] Wynne said she would not support the renewal because of discipline concerns, while other board members who visited the school described engaged students and strong project-based learning.
Jia Truong, identified in the public record as CEO of Envision, said the school involves families in discipline decisions and does not “threaten them with expulsion.” She added that the operator and CAT leadership are working with SFUSD staff to align discipline policies: “We always involve families, we talk about different options, and most of our students and their families decide to stay,” she said.
CAT said suspension drivers have varied year to year: administrators reported that one year’s suspension data reflected drug-related incidents, while the current year showed more fights or student altercations. Vice principal Philip Chardon described expanded restorative practices and mediation efforts to reduce referrals that lead to suspensions.
Several commissioners said they would closely monitor the school’s commitment. Commissioner Norton said she would vote to renew but asked staff to report back on a specific commitment from CAT to cut its suspension rate by at least half in the next academic year.
The board’s approval was conditioned by law and the district’s review process; Director Michael Davis (Charter Schools) read the staff recommendation and relevant Education Code sections into the record. The final roll call showed a majority in favor with one recorded no vote. The superintendent and school staff said they will provide annual updates on discipline data.
What’s next: The board directed staff to monitor CAT’s suspension metrics and bring back an annual update on progress toward the commitments made during the renewal review.
Vote: Renewal petition granted (recorded roll call in the meeting minutes: 6 yes, 1 no).
