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Navigator Schools presents Gilroy Prep renewal proposal; board to decide March 19
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Summary
Navigator Schools’ leaders presented an informational update on Gilroy Prep (GPS) renewal, highlighting demographics, awards, instructional model and plans to address staff recommendations; staff noted formal findings and a decision will be part of the March 19 meeting.
Navigator Schools’ CEO Dr. Caprice Young and interim principal Shauna Schmidt presented an informational overview to the Gilroy Unified board as part of the charter‑renewal public‑hearing process for Gilroy Prep School (GPS).
Dr. Young described GPS as the first Navigator school and said the petition seeks renewal for five years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. She cited recent recognition (California Distinguished School), expansion of the campus under Prop 51 enabling TK additions, and outcomes: the school has promoted several hundred students to Gilroy High and a number of alumni who have continued to college.
The presentation included demographics (presenters said roughly 56% socioeconomically disadvantaged and 26% multilingual learners) and academic outcomes showing the school outperforming state averages in math and reading on slides shown to the board. Shauna Schmidt described the school's "squads" model for middle grades, multi‑subject teacher structure and differentiated coaching and intervention systems.
Board members asked about admissions and wait lists, class sizes, staffing models, small‑group instructor qualifications and inclusion practices. Presenter responses: GPS maintains wait lists and uses charter‑allowed preference points for socioeconomic diversity, siblings and faculty children; class sizes are generally 30–31 (TK is 20 or below); small‑group instructors are typically paraprofessionals (many with AA or some college) and are not required to hold a full teaching credential, while each classroom has a certificated teacher.
Educational services staff reminded the board that this meeting was informational; the staff report and formal recommendations will be published as required at least 15 days before the March 19 public hearing where the board is expected to take formal action.
Trustees and school representatives discussed operational items raised in the staff appendices (behavior guidance, staff surveys, training and parent signatures); the board deferred formal findings and follow‑up to the staff report and the March 19 agenda.
