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Kalmiopsis Charter leaders present strong student-survey results; board renews five-year contract
Summary
Kalmiopsis Charter School reported high student-safety and belonging scores, growing enrollment, Project Youth Plus participation and financial stability; the Three Rivers board approved a five-year contract renewal after the school's annual presentation.
Kalmiopsis Charter School (KCA) presenters reviewed three years of operations, student outcomes and challenges and the board approved a five-year renewal of the school's charter contract.
Casey Elder (label 13), a teacher leader and cofounder, described KCA as a teacher-powered school and highlighted student-survey results that exceed state averages: 80% of students said there is at least one adult who cares about them (state 36%), 70% strongly agreed they feel safe (state 16.1%), and 100% said the school welcomes students with disabilities (state ~32%). Elder and colleagues said these findings derive from the Oregon Department of Education report card and reflect the school's small class sizes and supportive climate.
Sarah Kinsler (label 14) and Kayla Rao (label 15) highlighted Project Youth Plus participation (38 enrolled) and scholarship awards totaling about $40,000. They also described early-college participation (10 students earning 34 college credits) and the school's lunch program that partners with local farms. The presenters acknowledged persistent challenges: about 75% of KCA students experience poverty and roughly 14% have McKinney-Vento status for homelessness; the school said Project Youth Plus spent an estimated $2,000 this year to help students with transportation, IDs and other barriers.
Several students and parents gave testimonials during the public comment portion. A student board representative (label 17) called KCA "life-changing" and described student participation in governance and hiring. Presenters noted the charter's contract was up for renewal and recommended a five-year renewal, which the board approved by motion and voice vote.
The school outlined goals for the coming year including increasing regular attendance (target 80% from about 70%), adding two on-site AP classes and pursuing a community-foundation grant for a kitchen renovation to expand the breakfast and lunch program.
The board approved the KCA five-year renewal by motion; staff said the renewal follows the school's three-year reporting and a favorable audit.
