SFUSD board renews City Arts & Technology and 5 Keys charters after lengthy public testimony

The San Francisco Board of Education voted March 22 to renew several charter petitions, approving City Arts & Technology High School’s renewal and two renewals for 5 Keys programs serving adult and incarcerated learners.

Deputy Superintendent Richard Carranza and Executive Director Mary Richards summarized staff reviews that found no major financial deficiencies in the petitions. Richards told the board staff had requested clarifications on auditors’ qualifications and a $20,000 line for legal fees but said petitioners supplied the needed documentation.

Hundreds of people attended and more than 60 speakers signed in for City Arts & Technology (CAT). Students, parents and teachers described CAT as a small, project‑based school that increased students’ grades and college readiness. “Since I’ve been at CAT, I have gotten my grades up and became a leader,” student Karina Castillo said, urging the board to renew the charter. Several parents and staff testified that CAT’s model — including advisories, graduation portfolios and college counseling — helped students who had struggled elsewhere.

Commissioners used the public testimony to question how many CAT students were San Francisco residents and to press staff on special‑education arrangements. Staff said the majority of CAT students are city residents, with roughly 5–7 percent from outside San Francisco. Commissioners asked for regular reporting on IEP counts and oversight plans where charter schools contract with an outside SELPA (special‑education local plan area).

On the same agenda, the board heard evidence supporting renewals for two 5 Keys charters: 5 Keys Adult School and 5 Keys Independence High School, which serve incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. Sheriff Michael Hennessy and 5 Keys graduates highlighted the program’s role in delivering education in county jail settings and lowering recidivism. “We have over 250 people in custody in the school every day, and over 250 people have received their high‑school degree,” Hennessy said.

The board approved the charter renewals by roll call. Commissioners who visited the programs praised the educational impact and said they would continue to monitor implementation and special‑education services.

The district indicated it will continue routine oversight through MOUs and annual verification reports and said financial and programmatic monitoring would remain part of the post‑renewal relationship.

Next steps: The renewals take effect per the charter terms; board members asked staff to report back on SELPA contracting and monitoring plans.