Charter school petition denied

Insufficient information about educational programs, finances and a location for the charter school — known as Magnolia — topped Superintendent David Miller’s concerns in a recommendation to deny the charter. In the end, the board agreed voting 4-1 against the five-year charter petition, with board President Peter Hanley as the sole dissenting vote.

Among the educational concerns were: The lack of a guidance program; little innovative, creative or powerful instructional strategies; no physical education standards; and unclear graduation requirements, according to the resolution. The budget was a major concern listed by the district. It was educational concerns that hit home with Magnolia leaders.

Hanley stood alone in his favor of Magnolia pointing out the program is educationally sound and implemented in five other schools. He proposed approving the charter with conditions.

"You can’t look at an organization that’s already getting recognition … and make those kind of findings. … Their program far exceeds educational requirements,” he said before predicting the denial to be overturned. "Let’s see what they can do.”

The Los Angeles-based Magnolia Foundation can appeal to the County Board of Education, but leaders were not sure if they would. Magnolia is in the process of applying for a state charter, which would allow them to open a school without local oversight.

Magnolia leaders also believe the program was wrongly described as educationally unsound.

"One thing that really hurts me, is saying it is not a sound program. That’s the reason for denial. I cannot accept this. This is really not acceptable to me as a staff. … Our track record is there. It’s public. We’ve done a lot,” Magnolia President Joseph Hurmali.

A number of the trustees visited Magnolia schools earlier this week. Trustee Stephen Rogers commended Magnolia’s efforts in many areas but ultimately felt the high school curriculum set forth was not adding to what is offered locally.

"My own personal views recognizes the need for various aspects of educational reform and open to the right charter, … I still remain unconvinced about the applicability of this charter to this district,” he said.

Trustee Dave Pine did not agree the curriculum was unsound, but questioned the desire of such a program here given the lack of parent involvement to this point. Additionally, Pine was not sure the program would be viable here. He would, however, entertain the petition in the future if it were a fit at that time.

Teachers Association President Craig Childress also visited the school and commended the leaders on creating an environment in which students seemed to feel safe and take pride. However, the educational aspects of the program were not impressive to Childress.

"It seems clear to me the solution they are offering is to a problem that we frankly do not have in this district,” he said.

Magnolia’s lawyer Paul Minney challenged the district to approve the charter with conditions. If the school is truly unneeded, he said, the students will not show up and a lesson will be learned.

Another issue, brought forward by board Vice President Linda Lees Dwyer, was the practice of using visas to bring teachers over to save money. Dwyer called the process educationally unsound.

The foundation, in hopes of opening a school during the 2009-2010 school year, put the proposal forward in May. Housing this program presented interesting challenges over recent months.

The proposal includes growing the school to include 800 students at full capacity. The 2009-2010 school year will begin with 225 students — 100 sixth grade students and 125 freshmen. It would reach capacity at 2013-2014. Originally, Magnolia planned to open in Foster City. However, the Foster City Council voted against holding a 4-acre parcel for the school forcing leaders to look elsewhere. One San Mateo location, 51 41st Ave., where the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District Offices were once housed, currently tops the list.

There is one problem with this location, however, it was recently approved by the San Mateo Planning Commission to be remodeled to house the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

Hurmali did not feel this set back should be a reason for denial. The leaders offered to have a condition added to the charter giving a deadline for finding a suitable space for the school.

At the same meeting, the board also approved a new policy prohibiting animals on district property without written authorization. Pine preferred the item be tabled and was the only no vote.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.