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Agenda Item
I.-2 24-2354 Decision Public Hearing by the Board of Education on Leadership Public Schools - Oakland R & D Campus ("LPS Oakland") - Petition and Charter (Renewal) - Grades 9 -12, for the term Ju1y 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, pursuant to Education Code Section 47605, including consideration and possible adoption of Resolution No. 2425- 0192 - Denying Renewal Petition of LPS Oakland R&D - Grades 9-12 and Written Findings of Support Thereof.
Hello my name is Jesus Valdes and I'm a junior at LPS Oakland. I transferred here last year in the middle of my sophomore year. So far I have really enjoyed my time here at LPS because it's a small, safe and supportive school. The teachers can really focus one on one with the students and that helped me with my learning and understanding of the subjects. I also really enjoyed the way that they made the subject engaging and project based so we got to see the math be used in fun hands-on activities. In sum, keeping the school open is important to me and I hope you’ll consider keeping us open so I finish out my time at LPS. Thank you for your time.
As the chair of the LPS board I have witnessed many improvements under our current superintendent whose leadership and capacity to negotiate with our union has resulted in better staff retention. LPS Oakland R&D has provided a robust A-G curriculum and successful graduation rate in addition to a unique CTE and dual enrollment program not offered at other high schools. While we have areas of improvement, I am confident with our current staff and superintendent that if granted a two year renewal we can show the community and OUSD the growth that is needed for our students and community.
I am Maite, a 10th grader at LPS. I'd like to keep this school open. Part of what makes our school unique is the relationships we’ve been able to establish with our teachers & staff.
Our teachers are more than just educators, they become mentors and trusted adults we trust and can confide in. In the two years I’ve been here, teachers have prioritized getting to know us, preparing us for the future and thinking critically about what role we want to play in the world.
At our school students are provided a positive, structured environment that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation because our social emotional wellbeing is a priority. An example of this would be Mr Duarte, who helps and motivates us with our grades showing how we can become the better version of ourselves. The connection we build with teachers and the sense of belonging we experience are irreplaceable. Our school is a vital part of our academic and personal development so please keep our school open
The Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) supports the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D’s charter petition--please see our letter for analysis.
First, LPS Oakland R&D’s renewal must be considered under Education Code Section 47607.2(b) (the “middle” category) because the conditions to apply Education Code Section 47607.2(a) (the “low” category) are not met at the time of the renewal decision.
Second, we carefully reviewed the charter petition, the OUSD staff report, and additional analysis of data provided by EdTec and Education Dynamics, Inc., including analysis of California School Dashboard data as related to statutory provisions governing charter renewal. We find that data, particularly when emphasizing higher quality metrics in alignment to charter renewal provisions, clearly supports charter renewal.
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D. As a science teacher in my second year at LPS Oakland, I have already witnessed significant and positive changes at our school. The community and culture that students and staff have cultivated are unique, and I fully believe these will contribute to improved academic outcomes in the coming years.
LPS students deserve the opportunity to continue their education uninterrupted and to benefit from the school’s upward momentum. Denying renewal would disrupt students’ lives and hinder their potential progress. I urge the board to fully consider the profound impact this decision would have on our students and their families.
For these reasons and more, I strongly oppose the motion to deny renewal.
I oppose the denial of the renewal for the petition of LPS Oakland R&D - Grades 9-12charter. The administration and teaching staff are close-knit and committed to improve and grow toward serving their students and families.
Given their current efforts to receive training and build their skills, I believe the team can make strides to reach the district charter expectations.
I encourage the board to approve the Petition and Renewal for the 2-year term beginning July 1, 2025 pursuant to Ed. Code Section 47605
Thank you.
I oppose the denial of the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D. I am aware and greatly appreciate the dedication and support of the management and staff to the students at all times. The opportunities for student success and acheivement has been growing over the years and am confident it will only get better with each year.
My name is Emily Ibanez and I am the Family & Community Engagement Liaison at LPS Oakland R&D and I oppose the Denial of renewal for LPS Oakland. In my two years here, I’ve witnessed incredible growth and a deep commitment to individualized care and accountability for students and families combined. In building a stronger relationship with our families and community I’ve noticed that the most important thing we have to offer is our dedication and perseverance.It would be a shame to deny these students and families the safety and support offered with our continued presence. We can all agree that Great things don’t happen overnight, but the choice to continue happens everyday so I urge you to choose what’s best for these students and families by renewing our charter. Thank you.
I oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland. I support LPS Oakland staying open because this school is like our second home and the teachers makes all of us feel welcomed and they always make sure we are always on task with our school work.
I strongly oppose the denial of the LPS Oakland R&D renewal. Over the past few years, staff and students have demonstrated exceptional hard work and dedication. The recent data indicates that the school will be moving to the middle tier. This achievement reflects their commitment to equitable education and the potential for continued growth and success.
LPS Oakland R&D deserves a two-year renewal to continue their progress. Denying the renewal would dismiss all of the efforts that went into moving them to the middle tier, especially after a global pandemic.
I oppose the denial of LPS Oakland's charter renewal. The school provides a benefit to its students in preparing them for college and career, and closing the school would not be in their best interest.
My name is Rashima Sonson, I am a CTE teacher and dual enrollment facilitator at LPS Oakland R&D and I oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland. I support LPS Oakland staying open.
LPS Oakland R&D is one of the few schools in Oakland that offers unique programs designed to prepare students for both college and career success. It’s this commitment to innovation and opportunity that motivated me to stay at LPS. Our school doesn’t just educate students academically—it equips them with real-world skills through programs like internships, apprenticeships, and onsite work-based learning. These experiences allow students to start building their resumes and prepare to compete for meaningful work opportunities.
I urge you to approve the charter renewal for LPS Oakland R&D School so we can continue this positive momentum and ensure that more students have access to these invaluable opportunities.
I vehemently oppose the recommendation to deny LPS their renewal. LPS has worked hard with the OCS to implement an improvement plan and has moved into the middle tier. It is unjust not to allow them the opportunity to continue to serve the students and families of East Oakland.
I oppose the denial of the LPS Oakland R&D renewal. Staff members at LPS Oakland R&D genuinely care for their students and have dedicated their time to ensure all students graduate and have the proper tools to continue their education or starting their career.
My name is Michelle Ciraulo and I currently hold the position of Education Specialist at LPS Oakland R&D. I oppose the denial of the renewal for Oakland LPS's charter. I support Oakland LPS staying open because I believe the intimate environment we provide to students, particularly students with IEPs, is vital to their continued education. Any disruption would cause significant harm. While LPS Oakland has had its struggles, due to our increasing rates of staff retention, we currently have a strong and cohesive staff, each member of which truly cares about helping each and every child reach their potential. If we are given the chance to continue to grow and improve I have no doubt we would soon exceed the middle tier, which we are already moving into.
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D, this school may be one of the only options for a lot of students, taking this way from them would further impact their education. I have seen how committed the teachers are and I believe they can continue to have a positive impact on our kids. My kids whom also have attended LPS have graduated & went to college, which shows they’re doing something right. Not renewing the school would create hardships not only for the parents but for the students, leaving them with no education for the time being, having choices is a privilege one we don’t have.
La escuela es como el segundo hogar para nuestros hijos mi hijo está en el grado 10 me gusta mucho esa escuela por su personal y lo académico y me queda muy cerca de mi casa es más fácil para q mi hijo pueda asistir espero siga abierta por muchos años
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D. As Administrator on Special Assignment, one of my special assignments is teaching English Language Development at LPS Oakland R&D. Utilizing the piloted E. L. Achieve Systematic ELD curriculum is successful. Students have learned the process to be placed in an ELD class and what is expected to become reclassified. The students know the adults in the school are on their side and they feel safe and secure at LPS Oakland R&D. Our parents work with the school to support our students in the process of the mission and vision of LPS. The administrative and teacher teams consistently meet to improve the education process for all students.
For these reasons and more, I encourage the board to approve the Petition and Renewal for the 2-year term beginning July 1, 2025 pursuant to Ed. Code Section 47605
Thank you,
Dr. Itoka
I oppose the denial of the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D. I stand with the students and staff of LPS Oakland in the continued pursuit of excellence through quality, equitable education.
Hello my name is Jesus Valdes and I'm a junior at LPS Oakland. I transferred here last year in the middle of my sophomore year. So far I have really enjoyed my time here at LPS because it's a small, safe and supportive school. The teachers can really focus one on one with the students and that helped me with my learning and understanding of the subjects. I also really enjoyed the way that they made the subject engaging and project based so we got to see the math be used in fun hands-on activities. In sum, keeping the school open is important to me and I hope you’ll consider keeping us open so I finish out my time at LPS. Thank you for your time.
As the chair of the LPS board I have witnessed many improvements under our current superintendent whose leadership and capacity to negotiate with our union has resulted in better staff retention. LPS Oakland R&D has provided a robust A-G curriculum and successful graduation rate in addition to a unique CTE and dual enrollment program not offered at other high schools. While we have areas of improvement, I am confident with our current staff and superintendent that if granted a two year renewal we can show the community and OUSD the growth that is needed for our students and community.
I am Maite, a 10th grader at LPS. I'd like to keep this school open. Part of what makes our school unique is the relationships we’ve been able to establish with our teachers & staff.
Our teachers are more than just educators, they become mentors and trusted adults we trust and can confide in. In the two years I’ve been here, teachers have prioritized getting to know us, preparing us for the future and thinking critically about what role we want to play in the world.
At our school students are provided a positive, structured environment that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation because our social emotional wellbeing is a priority. An example of this would be Mr Duarte, who helps and motivates us with our grades showing how we can become the better version of ourselves. The connection we build with teachers and the sense of belonging we experience are irreplaceable. Our school is a vital part of our academic and personal development so please keep our school open
The Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) supports the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D’s charter petition--please see our letter for analysis.
First, LPS Oakland R&D’s renewal must be considered under Education Code Section 47607.2(b) (the “middle” category) because the conditions to apply Education Code Section 47607.2(a) (the “low” category) are not met at the time of the renewal decision.
Second, we carefully reviewed the charter petition, the OUSD staff report, and additional analysis of data provided by EdTec and Education Dynamics, Inc., including analysis of California School Dashboard data as related to statutory provisions governing charter renewal. We find that data, particularly when emphasizing higher quality metrics in alignment to charter renewal provisions, clearly supports charter renewal.
We thank you for your time and consideration.
I like the support and help from the staffs , they also make sure the the students feel welcome and safe coming from a black parent.
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D. As a science teacher in my second year at LPS Oakland, I have already witnessed significant and positive changes at our school. The community and culture that students and staff have cultivated are unique, and I fully believe these will contribute to improved academic outcomes in the coming years.
LPS students deserve the opportunity to continue their education uninterrupted and to benefit from the school’s upward momentum. Denying renewal would disrupt students’ lives and hinder their potential progress. I urge the board to fully consider the profound impact this decision would have on our students and their families.
For these reasons and more, I strongly oppose the motion to deny renewal.
I oppose the denial of the renewal for the petition of LPS Oakland R&D - Grades 9-12charter. The administration and teaching staff are close-knit and committed to improve and grow toward serving their students and families.
Given their current efforts to receive training and build their skills, I believe the team can make strides to reach the district charter expectations.
I encourage the board to approve the Petition and Renewal for the 2-year term beginning July 1, 2025 pursuant to Ed. Code Section 47605
Thank you.
I oppose the denial of the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D. I am aware and greatly appreciate the dedication and support of the management and staff to the students at all times. The opportunities for student success and acheivement has been growing over the years and am confident it will only get better with each year.
My name is Emily Ibanez and I am the Family & Community Engagement Liaison at LPS Oakland R&D and I oppose the Denial of renewal for LPS Oakland. In my two years here, I’ve witnessed incredible growth and a deep commitment to individualized care and accountability for students and families combined. In building a stronger relationship with our families and community I’ve noticed that the most important thing we have to offer is our dedication and perseverance.It would be a shame to deny these students and families the safety and support offered with our continued presence. We can all agree that Great things don’t happen overnight, but the choice to continue happens everyday so I urge you to choose what’s best for these students and families by renewing our charter. Thank you.
I oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland. I support LPS Oakland staying open because this school is like our second home and the teachers makes all of us feel welcomed and they always make sure we are always on task with our school work.
I strongly oppose the denial of the LPS Oakland R&D renewal. Over the past few years, staff and students have demonstrated exceptional hard work and dedication. The recent data indicates that the school will be moving to the middle tier. This achievement reflects their commitment to equitable education and the potential for continued growth and success.
LPS Oakland R&D deserves a two-year renewal to continue their progress. Denying the renewal would dismiss all of the efforts that went into moving them to the middle tier, especially after a global pandemic.
I oppose the denial of LPS Oakland's charter renewal. The school provides a benefit to its students in preparing them for college and career, and closing the school would not be in their best interest.
My name is Rashima Sonson, I am a CTE teacher and dual enrollment facilitator at LPS Oakland R&D and I oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland. I support LPS Oakland staying open.
LPS Oakland R&D is one of the few schools in Oakland that offers unique programs designed to prepare students for both college and career success. It’s this commitment to innovation and opportunity that motivated me to stay at LPS. Our school doesn’t just educate students academically—it equips them with real-world skills through programs like internships, apprenticeships, and onsite work-based learning. These experiences allow students to start building their resumes and prepare to compete for meaningful work opportunities.
I urge you to approve the charter renewal for LPS Oakland R&D School so we can continue this positive momentum and ensure that more students have access to these invaluable opportunities.
Thank you.
I vehemently oppose the recommendation to deny LPS their renewal. LPS has worked hard with the OCS to implement an improvement plan and has moved into the middle tier. It is unjust not to allow them the opportunity to continue to serve the students and families of East Oakland.
I oppose the denial of the LPS Oakland R&D renewal. Staff members at LPS Oakland R&D genuinely care for their students and have dedicated their time to ensure all students graduate and have the proper tools to continue their education or starting their career.
My name is Michelle Ciraulo and I currently hold the position of Education Specialist at LPS Oakland R&D. I oppose the denial of the renewal for Oakland LPS's charter. I support Oakland LPS staying open because I believe the intimate environment we provide to students, particularly students with IEPs, is vital to their continued education. Any disruption would cause significant harm. While LPS Oakland has had its struggles, due to our increasing rates of staff retention, we currently have a strong and cohesive staff, each member of which truly cares about helping each and every child reach their potential. If we are given the chance to continue to grow and improve I have no doubt we would soon exceed the middle tier, which we are already moving into.
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D, this school may be one of the only options for a lot of students, taking this way from them would further impact their education. I have seen how committed the teachers are and I believe they can continue to have a positive impact on our kids. My kids whom also have attended LPS have graduated & went to college, which shows they’re doing something right. Not renewing the school would create hardships not only for the parents but for the students, leaving them with no education for the time being, having choices is a privilege one we don’t have.
La escuela es como el segundo hogar para nuestros hijos mi hijo está en el grado 10 me gusta mucho esa escuela por su personal y lo académico y me queda muy cerca de mi casa es más fácil para q mi hijo pueda asistir espero siga abierta por muchos años
I strongly oppose the denial of the renewal for LPS Oakland R&D. As Administrator on Special Assignment, one of my special assignments is teaching English Language Development at LPS Oakland R&D. Utilizing the piloted E. L. Achieve Systematic ELD curriculum is successful. Students have learned the process to be placed in an ELD class and what is expected to become reclassified. The students know the adults in the school are on their side and they feel safe and secure at LPS Oakland R&D. Our parents work with the school to support our students in the process of the mission and vision of LPS. The administrative and teacher teams consistently meet to improve the education process for all students.
For these reasons and more, I encourage the board to approve the Petition and Renewal for the 2-year term beginning July 1, 2025 pursuant to Ed. Code Section 47605
Thank you,
Dr. Itoka
I oppose the denial of the renewal of LPS Oakland R&D. I stand with the students and staff of LPS Oakland in the continued pursuit of excellence through quality, equitable education.