Oakland board approves Francophone Charter School relocation and modest enrollment increase, conditioned on occupancy clearance

The Oakland Board of Education on March 4 approved Francophone Charter School’s material revision to relocate to a single campus and increase enrollment, subject to the school securing a certificate of occupancy and completing an OUSD walk‑through checklist required by staff.

OUSD staff recommended conditional approval under the three California Education Code criteria, saying Francophone’s projected attendance and fiscal assumptions were consistent with historical patterns and that the proposed enrollment would remain below the charter’s authorized maximum (520). Staff noted the school had submitted a signed lease and evidence of a fire safety inspection but still needed to provide a certificate of occupancy and the district’s walk‑through checklist to complete facility compliance.

Claudia Lee, Francophone’s executive director, told trustees the consolidation would improve academic programs, school culture, finances and operations and reduce safety risks associated with parents traveling between campuses. "This move significantly improves the academic program, school culture, finances, and operations," Lee said, and described plans for a cafeteria, expanded teacher collaboration space and room to grow within the authorized cap.

Teachers and staff described dual‑immersion program benefits, higher middle‑school retention, plans for dedicated ELD pull‑out classrooms, and supports for students with disabilities and English learners. Francophone leadership told the board it expected an inspector’s visit and planned to submit the outstanding certificate of occupancy and OUSD checklist promptly; staff’s recommendation made approval conditional on those documents.

Parents and community members also spoke in favor; parent Julian Lute described the consolidation as a solution to burdensome travel between two campuses and urged the board to approve the move, while longtime parent and former board chair Annette Dennett said consolidating campuses would strengthen the school’s strategic pillars.

After trustee questions and brief discussion, a motion to adopt the Francophone material revision was made and approved on roll call with conditions noted by staff. The board’s approval is contingent on the school’s documented compliance with the certificate of occupancy and completion of district facility requirements before the move proceeds.

Votes at a glance: the motion to adopt material revision (Francophone Charter School, adoption number 25‑3032) was recorded as adopted on roll call; Director Lauter, Director Berry and Director Thompson were recorded as voting yes; two directors were absent. Staff will verify the outstanding occupancy and walk‑through documentation before any final implementation.