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Lancaster charter school presents data, seeks five-year renewal as district review continues
Summary
Representatives of Lancaster charter school presented academic growth, subgroup gains and fiscal data during a public hearing; district staff said a renewal recommendation will follow a November 18 review of submitted artifacts and Education Code requirements.
Lancaster charter school leaders presented academic and financial information at a public hearing before the Lancaster School District Board of Trustees as the school seeks a five-year renewal. Amanda Fischer, identified as CEO of 'Eile California,' led the presentation and said the school’s model emphasizes project-based learning, social-emotional learning and individualized instruction.
District director Melissa Woods, who oversees charter renewals, told the board the school is mid-performing and therefore eligible for a five-year renewal; she said the district’s review team will return Nov. 18 with findings after reviewing Education Code standards and the school’s submitted artifacts.
Fischer and colleagues outlined academic results they said showed gains across grades and subgroups. They reported increases in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards in English language arts and math in several grades, cited subgroup gains for Hispanic and African-American students, and said chronic absenteeism decreased by 4.2 percentage points. The presenters described programming intended to support whole-child development, including an aeronautics/glider project, a creative-arts program and financial-literacy work with Junior Achievement.
On finance and enrollment, presenters stated Lancaster had 771 enrolled learners, revenue of about $14.3 million and a projected net income of $359,000 for the 2026–27 school year; they told the board the school has an ending fund balance and said Lancaster meets renewal criteria for educational program, community support and fiscal soundness.
Board members and district staff asked that the district review team verify the school’s artifacts and metrics. Woods reiterated that the district will present findings before the board’s vote; no renewal vote occurred at the public hearing. The public hearing remains open to receive testimony and the board will consider the district’s recommendation in a subsequent meeting.
