Appeal of Ross Valley Charter Renewal Petition and CDE Recommendation
The Advisory Commission on Charter Schools discussed the appeal of Ross Valley Charter's renewal petition, with the California Department of Education recommending approval based on academic criteria met by RVC and its strong financial record. RVC's progressive educational model emphasizes inquiry-based learning and preparing students to be effective team collaborators and lifelong learners.
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Advisory Commission on Charter Schools February 11, 2021 Meeting Item # 3 Appeal of the Ross Valley Charter Renewal Petition
Timeline Ross Valley Charter (RVC) is seeking authorization from the State Board of Education to renew their TK through grade five charter school within the boundaries of the Ross Valley Elementary School District (RVESD). The petitioners sought authorization through RVESD. On November 10, 2020, RVESD denied the petitioner request for renewal by a vote of five to zero. The CDE received the appeal on November 30, 2020. 2
CDE Recommendation CDE proposes to recommend that the SBE hold a public hearing to approve the request to renew RVC, a TK through grade five charter school. If approved, the SBE will designate an authorizer for the charter for oversight of the school. 3
Educational Program of RVC The mission of RVC is to provide a public-school option that leverages a progressive education model emphasizing deep inquiry and exploration; hands-on, immersion-based experiences; and active learning- by-doing approaches. This model prepares pupils to collaborate effectively in teams, think critically, seek information to solve problems, and be lifelong learners and culturally competent members of their diverse global community. 4
The California Department of Educations Findings and Concerns 5
Basis for Recommendation The CDE has determined that RVC has met the applicable academic renewal criteria pursuant to EC Section 47607(c). Due to a delay in opening the school in 2016, RVC only has CAASPP data for school years (SY) 2017 18 and 2018 19. CDE s analysis of 2017 18 through 2018 19 data shows that RVC does perform sufficiently by state metrics in accordance with EC Section 47607.2(b)(3)(A). 6
Fiscal Analysis (Slide 1) RVC has a good financial record under the SBE s authorization. RVC s fiscal year (FY) 2020 21 first interim, December 2020, indicates that RVC is projecting a positive ending fund balance of $495,845 and reserves of 22 percent. FY 2019 20 audit report that reflected an unqualified status, ending fund balance of $248,997 and an 11.61 percent reserve. 7
Fiscal Analysis (Slide 2) Revenue The RVC multi-year projected budget includes fundraising of $208,240 each year for FYs 2021 22 through 2025 26. Total contributions received over last the three years is $1,244,250 (source: Fiscal Audit Report of FY 2017 18 through FY 2019 20). Therefore, projected fundraising or donations of $208,000 each year appears reasonable. RVC s cash flow statement reflects a Pacific Charter School Development loan of $350,000 and Revenue Anticipation Notes of $220,000. 8
Fiscal Analysis (Slide 3) Revenue The RVC has projected a positive ending cash balance for FY 2020 21 through 2025 26. Expenditures RVC s FY 2020 21 updated budget report dated September 2020, and narrative of November 12, 2020, indicates that RVC is projecting a positive ending fund balance of $399,663 and reserves of 18 percent. 9
Fiscal Analysis (Slide 4) Debt and Sustainability 100 percent forgiveness of the PPP loan increased RVC s net revenue by $270,653. This revenue was reflected in the updated budget report. On August 28, 2020, a letter of complaint was sent to the Marin County of Education (MCOE). MCOE referred the complaint to the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). On September 18, 2020, the FCMAT responded and did not recommend that an extraordinary audit be conducted. CDE concludes that the projected financial plan for RVC is fiscally sustainable. 10
Charter Elements CDE finds that the RVC petition does provide a reasonably comprehensive description of all of the required charter elements. However, the CDE notes that the following elements could be strengthened. 11
Element ADescription of Educational Program The CDE finds that the RVC petition is consistent with sound educational practice and presents a reasonably comprehensive description of the English Language Development (ELD) program. 12
Plan for English Learners (Slide 1) If approved by the SBE, as a condition of approval, the petitioner will be required to revise the petition to include necessary language for Element A Description of Educational Program by updating the following: 13
Plan for English Learners (Slide 2) The RVC petition will need to state that the Home Language Survey is completed when a student first enrolls in a California public school. The RVC petition will need to state that the requirement for proficiency on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) is a score of a four. The RVC petition will need to be updated to include descriptions of the integrated and designated ELD instruction, as well as identify that integrated ELD and pupil monitoring is to occur across all subject matters. 14
Element JSuspension and Expulsion Procedures (Slide 1) The RVC petition does present a reasonably comprehensive description of suspension and expulsion procedures. If approved by the SBE, as a condition of approval, the petitioner will be required to revise the petition to include necessary language for Element J Suspension and Expulsion Procedures to include SB 419 thatextended the permanent prohibition against suspending students enrolled in kindergarten through grade three for disruption or willful defiance to include students in grades four and five. Additionally, the petitioner will state the expansion of this prohibition to include students in grades six through eight until July 1, 2025. 15
Element JSuspension and Expulsion Procedures (Slide 2) The RVC petition needs to be revised to clarify that when an appeal relating to the placement of a pupil or the manifestation determination has been requested by either the parent or RVC, the pupil shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the time provided in 20 USC Section 1415(k)(1)(C), whichever occurs first, unless the parent and RVC agree otherwise. 16
Summary CDE staff is recommending approval of the RVC renewal petition. If approved, the SBE will assign oversight of RVC to a local entity, either the local district or the county office of education. 17
Public Comment / Audiencia pblica Telephone Number: 712-770-4906 Access Code: 1166083# N mero de tel fono: 712-770-4906 C digo de acceso: 1166083# When it is your turn, an operator will announce, Please say your name and affiliation and begin public comment. Your time begins now. Cuando sea su turno, un operador le pidar en ingl s que diga su nombre y afiliaci n y comience su intervenci n. D gale, Mi nombre es ______, represento _______, y necesito un traductor. Su turno empieza ya. 18
