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Committee hears concerns about attacks on Merced City School District and for‑profit providers
Summary
Members reported that the Merced City School District faces external criticism over curriculum funding and that for‑profit providers such as GEO Group are being criticized for offering services without credential requirements; the committee plans education and town halls for community organizations.
Jesse Ornelas told the committee the Merced City School District is facing outside criticism, which he described as coming from an entity named the National Accuracy Group, alleging violations related to curriculum funding for population‑specific programs. Jesse said these attacks coincide with a political push against certain DEI programs and that the district's new superintendent has been targeted.
Jesse also criticized for‑profit providers, naming GEO Group, saying their services do not require professional credentials and that profits are being prioritized over community‑based supports for at‑risk youth. "The services the GEO group offers do not require a credential, such as an AMSW or a license; anyone can perform them," he said. The committee discussed planning town halls over the summer to educate local organizations about certification and curriculum options and to encourage community‑based alternatives to for‑profit programming.
