Meeting Time: April 07, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT
The online Comment window has expired

Agenda Item

S.-3 20-0605 Approval by the Board of Education of a Charter School Facilities Agreement between District and Aspire Public Schools, Inc., a California non-profit public benefit corporation ("Aspire") operating Aspire Berkeley Maynard Academy (the nonprofit corporation and the Berkley Maynard Academy, for use of the facilities (formerly Golden Gate Elementary School) located at 6200 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608-2228, for a term of fifteen (15) consecutive fiscal years, commencing on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2035, subject to earlier termination as set forth in this Agreement ("Initial Term"), for annual rent as set forth in Section 3 of Agreement.

  • Default_avatar
    Kris Ferguson over 4 years ago

    To whom it may concern,
    Being able to utilize this money would positively impact not only our school but our greater community.
    I love teachingbat BMA and feel honored and privileged to teach and serve all my Black & Brown students and provide families with choice, equity and access to a high quality education. Our school has good connections with our greater black community in Oakland and continues to serve students with generational ties to the school.
    BMA’s location provides families who work and contribute to Oakland, a place where students can thrive and be supported in their educational journey.
    BMA has received national recognition for the amazing work we do for our Black and Brown students.
    Please approve this agreement so that we may make much needed improvements to our campus and allow it to be the shining star of our community.
    Thank you!
    Kris
    Kris Ferguson
    7th and 8th Grade History Teacher at BMA

  • Default_avatar
    Dejanae Bates over 4 years ago

    Hi, my son attends Aspire Berkeley Maynard and his teacher and other staff are awesome. I think they really deserve this grant and it will help are children thrive and also the community. My son is doing much better because of the support at this school

  • Default_avatar
    Jennifer Bissell over 4 years ago

    I truly appreciate BMA for the education and support they have provided to my daughter and myself. The staff and facility are wonderful.

  • Default_avatar
    Maria Ramos over 4 years ago

    I' m very happy with BMA. My daughters have being there for 4 years. The curriculum is excellent and all staff members are very supportive with families like mine Including after school program. Again I SUPPORT BMA

  • Default_avatar
    Sarah Drekmeier over 4 years ago

    I am opposed.

  • Default_avatar
    Leticia Rojas over 4 years ago

    Hello, I like to support the school, because my daughters they really like and I really like, I hope the continue
    The school in the same place!

  • Default_avatar
    Sade Christopher over 4 years ago

    I love BMA! I live in Antioch but work in Oakland and this school so convenient. The teachers and staff my son and me by name.

  • Default_avatar
    Yasmin Medora over 4 years ago

    We don’t need more charters in Oakland taking more money away from the standard public schools and closing them around the city. Especially not a for profit one like Aspire! They are the equivalent of predatory lending.

  • Default_avatar
    Shayla Dallas over 4 years ago

    I am a teacher at BMA and believe that BMA students deserve a facility that is reflective of their potential and ability to succeed in our world

  • Default_avatar
    Celia Cipres over 4 years ago

    This is my son’s third year attending Berkeley Maynard Academy and he has been part of the amazing afterschool program. The afterschool program provides quality homework help to all the students. The afterschool staff is caring and take the time to update the parents on the students’ progress on their homework. Berkeley Maynard Academy provides community activities that help Latino students like my son feel a sense of community and belonging. Berkeley Maynard Academy values the diversity of the school population. Berkeley Maynard Academy provides community events that brings us together as a school community.

  • Default_avatar
    Linda HaymesElliott over 4 years ago

    Charters are siphoning off student and funds from a district that desperately needs both students and the funds for public schools. Students out of district attend charters which is not fair. Plus charters do not perform any better than district schools. Look at the data! 14% perform better than public. Not good at all.

  • Default_avatar
    Chloe Arnold over 4 years ago

    I strongly oppose this.

  • Default_avatar
    Monique Harris over 4 years ago

    BMA is a place that supports the learning of Black and Brown students. I have been a public school teacher for 10 years and decided to send my son to BMA because
    of the achievements and celebration of Black and Brown students. My husband went to Golden Gate Elementary and it is great for my son to also be connected to the school building and the neighborhood.

  • Default_avatar
    Tammie Perry over 4 years ago

    BMA is a great school my son started there in kindergarten and now he is in first grade. He will continue there until 8th grade. And younger son is to follow. The location is in a great place for a diverse community, Mr Stacks is an awesome principle who cares for the teachers and kids at BMA and I appreciate that! My son love his school and have a passion for reading and I'm glad that BMA has help so many children in there learning aspects and its because we have a great teaching community.
    Thanks and I approve this message!

  • Default_avatar
    Mary Scott over 4 years ago

    Why would this be considered a priority at a time like this?!?! Why in the world would OUSD consider a 40 year lease, especially since we don't even know what next year will look like given our current circumstances? Do NOT push this through because you think folks are distracted - we are watching you and your actions matter.

  • Default_avatar
    Denise Reagan over 4 years ago

    Postpone

  • Default_avatar
    Amy Golden over 4 years ago

    It does not make economic sense to enter into a long term lease at this time.

  • Default_avatar
    Daniel Soleimani over 4 years ago

    I write in support of this agenda item. BMA is successfully serving historically underserved populations, and providing them with access to a high quality education. The school has done a fantastic job of collaborating with the community, and those with generational ties to the school. These public school students who attend BMA deserve a facility that can support their growth and education.

  • Default_avatar
    Naomi Levy over 4 years ago

    I don't understand why the lease is being offered at such low rent, or why such a long-term contract is being offered. I understand many supporters think that this charter school is serving its students well, and I am not opposed to a renewed lease, just one on terms that will further sap OUSD's budget. Why should the children that remain in district schools be sold short as the district budget is sapped by yet another charter deal?

  • Default_avatar
    Yvonne Todd over 4 years ago

    I strongly oppose the choice to allow Aspire to take control of the building. This is not the time to make decisions that will affect our OUSD students. SHAME ON YOU!