Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Charter School topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board unanimously approves renewal of East Palo Alto Academy charter after community testimony
Summary
After a public hearing with student and community speakers, the Sequoia Union board adopted resolution No. 12 renewing East Palo Alto Academy's charter (board cited dashboard gains and recommended a renewal term described in staff materials); roll call vote was 5‑0.
The Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on May 7 to renew the charter petition for East Palo Alto Academy, following a public hearing that drew students, parents and former staff to the podium in support.
Trustees approved resolution No. 12 by roll call (5‑0). Interim principal Veronica Miranda Pinky and student speakers described the school's small‑school model, advisory program, senior seminar and partnerships the speakers said have improved outcomes for East Palo Alto Academy students.
Interim principal Pinky cited recent dashboard results in her petition presentation, including a district‑provided increase in English language arts performance (she reported a 6.7‑point increase), a reported 15.5‑point rise in measured English‑learner progress and a graduation rate of 98.4% at East Palo Alto Academy. Pinky said the school has increased A–G completion for its graduates and pointed to WASC accreditation and other supports as evidence the model is working.
Community speakers—students and representatives from the East Palo Alto Academy Foundation and past leadership—urged trustees to sustain the small‑school model, citing the school's college‑going supports and community partnerships. "Our model works," one speaker said, asking the board to approve the renewal to preserve the program for the community.
Board members noted the size of the gains on the state dashboard and asked school leaders about governance, district collaboration and strategies to continue improvements in math and enrollment outreach. School leaders described teacher retention, vertical alignment plans and recruitment efforts in local communities as part of their strategy.
The board adopted the resolution in a single motion; the roll call result recorded five votes in favor and none opposed.
Next steps: staff will finalize the charter renewal documents consistent with the approved resolution and the term outlined in the staff packet.
