An East San Jose charter school serving immigrant families is at risk of closure.
Escuela Popular, a bilingual and bicultural school, could close its doors after serving the community for almost 40 years due to a state law that requires all charter school teachers to be fully credentialed. The school, part of the East Side Union High School District, still needs 12 of its 40 teachers to complete the credential process. After lengthy discussion at an Oct. 17 district board meeting, trustees unanimously approved the issuance of notices of violation to the school. The board did so in an effort to push the school toward compliance.
The board is requiring Escuela Popular to provide a plan that will achieve fully qualified and credentialed teachers, and to reform its operations, business and governance practices to ensure transparency and sound fiscal practices. It’s the district’s responsibility to ensure all charter schools are in compliance…