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Board renews Metropolitan Arts & Technology High School charter amid enrollment concerns
Summary
After extensive public testimony from students, parents and teachers praising Metro’s project-based model and supports for students with learning needs, the Board voted to renew the Metropolitan Arts & Technology High School charter. Commissioners raised questions about current enrollment (reported ~125–127 students) and financial projections based on prior-year figures.
The Board of Education voted to grant the renewal petition for Metropolitan Arts & Technology High School after hearing extensive public testimony from students, parents, teachers and school leaders describing the school’s project-based learning approach, small size, counseling supports and outreach to the Bayview community.
Multiple students and parents told the board Metro provides individualized attention and college-preparatory supports. Parent Hank Wu described his daughter’s turnaround after Metro staff recommended the charter as a better fit for her learning needs. Student speakers said Metro’s small community and advisory structures helped them reengage with school, and teachers described intensive, project-based instruction and cross-curricular planning.
Board members sought details about enrollment and fiscal sustainability. District staff and Metro principal Nick Kappelhoff said the school’s enrollment at the start of the year was approximately 125–127 students; budget planning used the prior year’s enrollment figure of 174 as the basis for per-ADA projections. Commissioners questioned whether the current lower enrollment was sufficient to sustain a five-year renewal but noted the school’s community ties and recent move to the Gloria R. Davis campus.
On a roll-call vote, the board approved the renewal petition. The record notes one commissioner voted no while others cited concern over low enrollment but expressed support for Metro’s academic model and community work. Several commissioners asked staff and the charter operator for ongoing enrollment and fiscal updates to monitor viability at the new site.
