Contra Costa County Grand Jury Findings For the Contra Costa County Superintendent/Office of Education F1. The Office

The Office of Education’s oversight of charter school governance appears to be consistent with its oversight duties under the Education Code. Response: The Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools/Office of Education agrees with the finding. In accordance with Board Policy, Office of Education staff attend Charter Authorizer Resource and Support Network (CARSNet) training and workshops, and state-level authorizer meetings and trainings provided by law firms with expertise in charter law.

Clayton Valley has an inadequate memorandum of understanding with the Office of Education, and Making Waves - Richmond has none. Response: The Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools/Office 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 and charter practice.

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 Superintendent/Office 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.

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 Superintendent of Schools/Office 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 and is conducting Town Hall meetings at least annually. The County Superintendent of Schools/Office 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.

Clayton Valley has a Board of Directors structure that has too many members who have potential conflicts of interest. Response: The Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools/Office of Education agrees with the finding. The Superintendent of Schools/Office of Education has expressed serious concerns about the governance of Clayton Valley Charter High School and has suggested CVCHS make material and meaningful changes to address these concerns. Contra Costa County 2018-2019 Grand Jury Report 1902

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 Superintendent of Schools/Office of Education partially agrees with the finding. The current board structure creates a potential for undue influence. Making Waves has committed to having more parent and community member representation on their board. Making Waves is evaluating how the Waves Foundation, a materially significant donor to the charter, holds the charter accountable for funds distributed for the operation of the school including graduate scholarships and financial support for graduates to attend college.

The County Office of Education website provides information that is comparable to the information found on the websites of other county offices of education. Response: The Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools/Office of Education agrees with the finding. Website information is dynamic and ever unfolding as legal compliance, regulations, forms and procedures change from year-to-year.