Board holds public hearing on Career Advancement Charter renewal; decision set for June 12

The Santa Cruz County Board held a public hearing on the renewal petition for the Career Advancement Charter (CAC), an adult-focused charter that serves students age 18 and older across community and probation sites. Dr. Marsha Russell, the county’s charter oversight manager, outlined the renewal timeline under AB 1505 (2020), explained the statutory grounds for denial (state low performance designation, fiscal/accountability concerns, or failure to serve all students), and said the board’s charter committee will post findings by May 27 and vote on renewal at the June 12 decision hearing.

CAC leaders described program growth from an initial cohort of roughly 40 students to about 250 enrolled now, expansions in offerings (childcare, culinary classes, Spanish-literacy partnerships with the Mexican consulate and Watsonville library), WASC accreditation in 2022 and a first self-study visit last month, and dropout-prevention supports such as transition specialists and counseling referrals. Trustees asked clarifying questions about enrollment trends (board confirmed increased enrollment is predominantly newly engaged adult learners, not shifting from other local programs), civic engagement goals for students, and how CAC complements county adult-education services. The board closed the hearing and scheduled the renewal decision for June 12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.