Board denies BayTech charter renewal after hearing from staff, students and community

The Oakland Unified Board opened a charter renewal hearing Jan. 28 for Bay Area Technology School (BayTech). Kelly Craig Arnold, director of the district’s Office of Charter Schools, recommended denying the petition on the basis that BayTech had been designated a low‑tier school under state renewal criteria at the time of submission and that staff found the school’s financial projections optimistic and its fiscal outlook at risk.

Nut graf: BayTech leaders, students and families appealed for renewal — some asked the board to grant two years to allow the school’s recent relocation and safety improvements to restore enrollment and stability. After staff presentation, a lengthy public‑comment period featured dozens of BayTech teachers, students, parents and community partners urging continuation; the board ultimately voted to deny the renewal on roll call.

BayTech representatives highlighted a recent change in campus and a rise in enrollment (staff reported growth from 201 to 211 in January) and told the board the site’s move ended a period of repeated lockdowns. Principal Gail Poole and staff characterized the school as serving students who face trauma and who have experienced benefits from a small, stable program. ‘‘Closing this school now will create another trauma, another displacement, and another disruption for students who already carry too many,’’ said Montre Clemens, a BayTech counselor.

Charter office analysis: Arnold noted that under Education Code a low‑tier school is a presumptive denial unless the school demonstrates meaningful corrective steps; she also flagged financial concerns including enrollment projections that staff said appeared high relative to current trends and a projected shortfall relative to FCMAT cash‑reserve floor. The staff report recommended denial but noted the board could impose a two‑year renewal with conditions if directors find meaningful corrective action.

Public comment and board action: More than 40 speakers — students, staff, parents and local elected officials including Council Member Noel Gallo — spoke in favor of renewing BayTech. Supporters argued the school had stabilized after moving to a new campus and that closure would disproportionately harm the predominantly Black and Brown students it serves. After deliberation, the board took a motion to deny the renewal; the motion carried on roll call.

Appeal rights and next steps: BayTech was informed of the district staff position and that, if denied, the charter petitioner may appeal to the county within the statutorily prescribed period. Board members and staff said they would provide the petitioner with the staff report and associated documents that underpinned the recommendation.

What the board record shows: The transcript records the staff recommendation, a detailed BayTech presentation and extensive public comment; the board’s formal denial was adopted on the record and the clerk announced the vote tally.