Agenda Item
H.-3 24-2010 Decision Public Hearing by the Board of Education on Education for Change Public Schools - Ascend Charter School - Petition and Charter (Renewal) - Grades TK-8 - July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2030, pursuant to Education Code Section 47605, including consideration and possible adoption of Resolution No. 2425-0008.
I would like to express my strong support for the renewal of the charter. ASCEND. has consistently demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement. The positive impact on our students' educational outcomes is evident, and renewing the charter will ensure that we continue to provide quality education tailored to the needs of our diverse student body. Thank you for considering this important renewal.
Hello, My name is Athena Larios. I am a 3rd-grade teacher at Cox Academy and Co-President of our union CEFC. I am also a parent of 2 children who attend OUSD schools; Melrose Leadership Academy and Oakland Tech High School. I am writing in support of the charter renewal of ASCEND. When I was in my credentialing program at SF State I came to Oakland to visit ASCEND, because one of my lecturers worked as a teacher there. I walked around the school and in the Fruitvale and fell in love with Oakland. I ended up moving here and have been teaching in East Oakland since. That was 18 years ago. Now, I work at another EFC school, but I still get to visit ASCEND. I am still impressed by the strong roots ASCEND has in the Fruitvale community and by the desire the staff has to provide a quality education for its students. ASCEND is an integral part of the community and the charter needs to be renewed so they can continue their good work.
As a proud union member and educator, I am writing in strong support of renewing the charter for ASCEND. I urge the board to support this renewal for the benefit of our school community and the future success of our students.
-Rebecca Longworth, 9th Grade Humanities Teacher, Latitude High School
As an educator, I strongly support the renewal of ASCEND's charter due to its innovative approach to arts-integrated learning and personalized instruction, which fosters a dynamic and engaging environment for its diverse student body. ASCEND’s commitment to empowering students through creative learning models and strong partnerships with families and the community ensures both academic and social-emotional development. The school has a proven record of serving Oakland's underserved populations, preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Renewing ASCEND’s charter will allow it to continue providing this impactful education to future generations. - Liv Perez, Educator and Coalition of Educators For Change Co-President