Contra Costa County Grand Jury
• 2018-2019
• Agency Response
Contra Costa County Grand Jury Findings Responses from Contra Costa County Board of Education Dated 06/12/19
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 7 findings
F2
The Board of Education has limited oversight responsibilities under the Education Code. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. The Board of Education sets policy based on current law, which limits the extent to which the authorizer can direct the day-to-day activities of charter schools. The Contra Costa County Board of Education will also be encouraged to attend and participate in charter oversight trainings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
As a condition of approving charter petitions at the next petition renewal hearing, the Office of Education should consider including provisions for parent-teacher organizations in its MOU for all charter schools. The recommendation has been implemented. The revised charter MOU includes language that requires charters to include engagement of parents and teachers.
F3
The Board of Education is modifying a standardized memorandum of understanding designed by CARSNet to address issues of transparency in the memorandum of understanding. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. The Board of Education is focusing on increasing parent access to governance and decision-making, public access to information and charter governance practices to increase accountability and transparency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
As a condition of approving Making Waves Academy and Clayton Valley Charter High School charter petitions at the next petition renewal hearing, the Office of Education should consider requiring these schools to enter into an MOU whereby they agree to update their board of director structures. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future; The Contra Costa County Board of Education is closely Contra Costa County 2018-2019 Grand Jury Report 1902 monitoring proposed changes to charter law now under consideration by the state legislature. Additionally, the Board of Education will request that all charter schools conduct material and meaningful changes to address concerns of potential conflicts of interest. These requirements will be included as part of the charter renewal petition or the MOU required as a condition of approval.
F4
Clayton Valley has an inadequate memorandum of understanding with the Office of Education, and Making Waves - Richmond has none. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. As charter schools come forward for renewal they are required to include a standardized memorandum of understanding based on the most current law, charter practice, and best practices to fulfill F3.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Office of Education should consider developing a plan to communicate with charter schools about how it will conduct oversight by December 31, 2019. The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future; The Contra Costa County Board of Education is closely monitoring proposed changes to charter law now under consideration by the state legislature. As these new laws come forward, the Contra Costa County Board of Education will communicate with charter schools about how future oversight will be conducted. This communication is anticipated for late fall of 2019. The County Board of Education is updating its policy to clarify how charter oversight will be conducted. Contra Costa County 2018-2019 Grand Jury Report 1902
F5
The Office of Education does not currently meet with charter schools as a group to facilitate best practices in governance. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. Charter schools are required to present an annual report and update to the County Board during which time they share their successes and areas for improvement. Charter schools are encouraged to meet together to discuss best practices.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Summit, with its offices outside of Contra Costa County, and Clayton Valley, with only its Parent Faculty Club, do not promote parental engagement. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. Since its charter renewal, Summit K2 has made improvements to the engagement and involvement of parents. The K2 site has hired a Community Engagement Manager Contra Costa County 2018-2019 Grand Jury Report 1902 and is conducting Town Hall meetings at least annually. The Board of Education has encouraged Clayton Valley to materially revise its governance structure for the purpose of significantly increasing parent and community participation in meaningful and transparent governance.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Clayton Valley has a Board of Directors structure that has too many members who have potential conflicts of interest. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding. The Board of Education has expressed serious concerns about the governance of Clayton Valley Charter High School. The Board of Education has asked for material and meaningful changes to address these concerns.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Making Waves Academy has a Board of Directors structure that gives undue influence to the Making Waves Foundation to appoint the Academy Board of Directors. Response: The Contra Costa County Board of Education agrees with the finding.
No recommendations for this finding