Rocketship Spark presents charter renewal and families urge five-year extension

Rocketship Spark Academy leaders told the Franklin McKinley School District board they are seeking a five-year renewal of their charter, describing academic gains, strong family engagement and steady enrollment. Janine Ramirez, a Rocketship community member, said the network’s model produces measurable gains and called the school “a foundation of equal opportunity” for families who entrust them with their children. “Every child deserves a school that meets them with excellence, belief and possibility,” Ramirez said.

Principal Zach Turner told trustees that Spark serves about 569 students, has completed 490 home visits this year and consistently ranks among Franklin McKinley’s top-performing schools on state indicators. Turner said the petition renewal is under district review and that the final hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9. He described curriculum-embedded assessments and frequent teacher planning as the methods Spark uses to track student progress and adapt instruction. “We partner weekly with our teachers to analyze embedded assessments and create targeted small-group lessons,” Turner said.

Trustees asked questions about student progress measures and enrollment composition; Trustee Cooper pressed for assessment specifics and Turner cited use of vetted curricula (for example Eureka for math) and regional data tools. Trustee Rodrigo Rodriguez asked about in‑district enrollment; Turner said roughly 40% of Spark’s students live within Franklin McKinley and about 60% come from neighboring districts (including Oak Grove and Evergreen). The presentation and public comments will feed into the district staff’s recommendation and the December hearing.