Sequoia Union trustees launch data-driven process to consider Tide Academy’s future after outpouring of public comment

The Sequoia Union High School District Board on Dec. 10 opened a public review process to examine the long‑term viability of Tide Academy after hearing more than an hour of public testimony from students, parents, teachers and community partners who urged the district not to close the small school.

Superintendent Leech presented a process and timeline the board requested after a November subcommittee report. Leech said district data show Tide’s current enrollment at 195 students and cited a recent accountability figure presented at the meeting that the district is spending roughly $39,000 per Tide student versus about $22,467 per student at other district high schools. She told trustees the district will convene two community meetings on Jan. 13 and Jan. 15, present data at a Jan. 26 board study session and aim for a recommendation to the…