Board approves MOU with St. Hope Public Schools and signals intensified outcome‑driven oversight
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Summary
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with St. Hope Public Schools after staff described months of corrective action work; the board and teachers clashed over turnover, workplace safety and bargaining, and trustees directed outcome‑based corrective measures and close monitoring.
Trustees approved a negotiated memorandum of understanding with St. Hope Public Schools Dec. 18, but members and teachers warned that approval is the start of an intense oversight phase rather than a conclusion.
Amanda Goldman, the district’s charter oversight lead, and outside counsel Leslie Locker outlined the MOU and the corrective‑action process the district has used since July. The staff summary said St. Hope had made several operational changes — including tighter back‑office contracts and updated complaint procedures — but that key outcome measures, particularly teacher retention and instructional stability, remained inadequate.
Vanessa Kudevac, speaking for St. Hope educators, told the board that teachers experienced retaliation, anti‑union behavior, and high turnover: “I want to thank trustee Ybarra for coming to meet with the union members,” she said, and asked trustees to use the MOU to force accountability. Multiple teachers earlier testified about lack of curriculum materials, safety concerns, and alarming staff churn.
Board members expressed deep concern. Member Kayatta said the MOU “offends” her as an attorney and warned the agreement left loopholes for conflicting governance roles and insufficient labor protections. Several trustees, including Member Benjamin, said they would approve the MOU only as a foundation and pressed staff to return in the spring with outcome‑driven corrective actions tied to measurable metrics. The district directed St. Hope to produce evidence that corrective steps produce improved outcomes and set a timeline for escalation if results aren’t met.
Staff described the next steps: continued corrective action cycles, monthly monitoring and data sharing, and possible escalation up to revocation or mandated self‑closure if St. Hope fails to demonstrate improvement. Trustees agreed to adopt the MOU as a vehicle for escalation and required staff to return with specific outcome metrics and timelines.
Next steps: staff will draft and present a follow‑up notice of correction focused on outcomes (not only actions) in the spring; trustees signaled frequent reporting and heightened oversight to ensure student safety, staffing stability and access to curriculum materials.
