LAUSD Board Revokes Charter Status Of 5 Schools
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education Tuesday night revoked the charter status of five high-performing schools.
Three of those were Magnolia Science Academies in Carson, Reseda and Van Nuys, which are operated by Magnolia Educational and Research Foundation.
The other two celerity schools that were denied charter renewals were Celerity Dyad in South Los Angeles and Celerity Troika in Eagle Rock.
The board cited severe concerns about oversight and transparency from the parent company, Celerity Global, which could appeal to the county and the state for the campuses to remain open.
Some students cried after learning the news.
"We loved the schools, and we want to see it pass on to students," student Abigail Rubio said.
Some parents blamed both sides but insisted that the charters should still be renewed because of high academic achievement and student satisfaction.
"It's extremely disappointing that because of an infrastructure issue, we're going to be deprived of an incredible quality education for our children. I'm going to have to find another school probably outside of the area," Paul Girard said.
Some parents from different LAUSD public schools said it is about time. "It's causing too much tension in our area. Your school versus my school. It shouldn't be like that. Their business practices are inappropriate. Somebody had to tell them it's enough," Xitlali Bravososa said.
The board did let El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills keep its charter status, despite concerns over financial mismanagement. But members let it continue only under the terms of a new agreement.
Concerned parents boarded buses to downtown L.A and waited in long lines that stretched around the block for a chance to convince board members to keep the status of their children's charter schools.
"I want you guys to stop playing politics with my kids. I actually want you to stop playing politics with LAUSD kids. I want you to focus on making schools the parents want to send their children to," one parent told the board.
