District hears wide community support for Roberto Cruz and Luis Valdez charter renewals
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Summary
At a public hearing Nov. 20, East Side trustees heard presentations from school leaders and more than two dozen students, parents and community partners urging a five‑year renewal for Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy and Luis Valdez Leadership Academy; staff said a decision is expected Jan. 22, 2026.
The East Side Union High School District Board of Trustees on Nov. 20 heard extensive public testimony in favor of renewal petitions for Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy (RCLA) and Luis Valdez Leadership Academy (LVLA).
Dr. Sherry Segura, CEO and superintendent of the Foundation for Hispanic Education, told the board her organization submitted renewal petitions and distributed community letters of support. “I am the superintendent and CEO of the Foundation for Hispanic Education, and we're here tonight to ask you to consider us for renewal,” she said, and introduced school principals who presented data and school priorities.
Claudia Moreno, principal of Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy, highlighted student demographics and school outcomes: “Nearly 98% of our student body identifies as Hispanic or Latine…90% are socioeconomically disadvantaged, with 35 percent experiencing homelessness,” she said, and asked the board to grant a full five‑year renewal so the school can continue its programs. LVLA principal Jose Silva summarized similar enrollment and outcome data and noted the school’s GPA, reclassification and graduation improvements.
Dozens of students, parents, teachers and community leaders offered endorsements during the public hearing. A former TFHE teacher and philanthropist said he supported the renewals and recommended both schools remain open “so they can expand their impact into the future and in partnership with Eastside Union High School District.” Teachers and alumni told personal stories of academic and social supports; one teacher cited the district’s collaboration with after‑school and career partners, and a founding director affiliated with Stanford said the schools “cultivate culturally empowered leaders who have a gift and responsibility to serve.”
Union and community speakers emphasized that the schools serve high‑needs students, pointing to bilingual programs, mental‑health supports and dual‑enrollment opportunities. Students described feeling belonging and increased academic confidence at the schools; one student said RCLA “gave me friendships I will never forget and teachers I will forever be grateful for.”
Staff noted the statutory process and timeline: under Education Code requirements the public hearing is part of a packet that precedes a decision meeting. District staff told the board the renewal petitions will be presented for action at the board’s Jan. 22, 2026 meeting.
The board did not take action on the renewals at the Nov. 20 hearing; trustees thanked speakers and said they would review the staff findings and the record before deciding at the scheduled action meeting.