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Classical Academy leaders brief board; warn AB 84 could cut independent‑study funding
Summary
Classical Academies CEO Curtis Endorff and principal Dana Moen described school performance metrics and raised concerns about California Assembly Bill AB 84 that could reduce funding for independent‑study-style programs; Endorff estimated a possible $10.3 million hit.
Curtis Endorff, CEO of the Classical Academies, and Classical Academy High principal Dana Moen presented the school’s performance and student engagement data to the Escondido Union High School District Board on May 13.
Endorff said AB 84—legislation moving through the state Assembly—contains provisions that would reduce funding for independent‑study programs and increase compliance requirements. "As an organization, if AB 84 were to be passed, we'd be looking at a $10,300,000 cut from our budget in the 2026‑27 school year," Endorff said, urging board support and noting the wider impacts on program delivery.
Principal Dana Moen reviewed internal metrics at Classical Academy—graduation and CAASPP results, AP participation increases (40% of seniors passed at least one AP exam this year), and expanded special‑education Pathfinders programming—while acknowledging areas for improvement such as suspension rates. Trustees asked for clarification about how the state dashboard colors are calculated; Moen and district staff agreed to provide more detail.
Trustees voiced support for school choice and signaled intent to watch AB 84 closely. The presentation was informational and did not request board action beyond continued engagement and communication with state legislators as the bill proceeds.
