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Board renews Life Learning Academy charter after students, staff testify to program—s impact
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Education voted to renew Life Learning Academy—s charter through June 2014 after emotional testimony from students and staff describing the school—s work with high-risk youth and evidence of academic gains; the decision followed positive committee reviews and staff recommendations.
The San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously on April 28 to renew the charter for Life Learning Academy through June 30, 2014, endorsing the superintendent—s recommendation after presentations from district staff, the principal and students.
Superintendent Carlos Garcia told the board that district staff had completed a curriculum and budget review and recommended renewal, noting that Life Learning Academy had submitted additional materials requested at the budget hearing and that staff found them satisfactory. Mary Richards, director of small and charter schools, told commissioners the petition met renewal standards under state education law and that district staff would require an annual memorandum of understanding to be negotiated before August 2009.
Dr. Terry Delaine, principal of Life Learning Academy, described a small school that enrolls about 72 students who have been expelled, are on probation or have struggled in traditional settings. Delaine said the school emphasizes a culture of safety, student ownership and intense teacher commitment; she added the program has no recorded acts of violence in 11 years and maintains small class sizes.
Several current and former students gave personal testimony. Alex Garrett described leaving a life of drugs and violence and credited Life Learning with helping him graduate and become a youth counselor; Josie Najera and other students recounted internships and summer research placements, including with UCSF. Teachers and founding staff described academic work grounded in performance assessment and national-board-level instruction.
Commissioners on curriculum and budget committees had earlier given the renewal a positive recommendation. Board members praised the program—s results and leadership during the discussion. Vice President Kim and others said they were impressed by academic rigor and student engagement observed during school visits.
The board—s approval is limited to the five-year renewal window in the staff recommendation. The charter renewal includes a requirement that Life Learning Academy execute an annual memorandum of understanding with the district and abide by applicable local, state and federal laws; the board asked staff to monitor implementation and ensure the required MOU was in place by August 2009.
The vote concluded the item; the board will receive reports and committee follow-ups as the MOU and implementation details are worked out.
