A San Francisco law firm that alleges Hiram Johnson High School violated state and federal standards for education equality is reviewing a response from the Sacramento City Unified School District denying the violations.
Lawyers with Public Advocates say Hiram Johnson administrators violated federal law when they transferred about 25 English-language learners out of a specialized English class and into classes such as landscaping and French. The firm also complained that 21 Hiram Johnson teachers taught courses last year without proper credentials or certification.
"As superintendent of the district, and as an educator, it is my responsibility to the board of trustees and the community we serve to insure that all students are appropriately placed to realize their educational potential," district Superintendent Maggie Mejia wrote in her response to the firm's complaint.
Mejia also defended the qualifications of the 21 Hiram Johnson teachers, explaining that many held short-term or emergency credentials or certifications, and some were in training that made them eligible for teaching.
Tara Kini, from Public Advocates, said Thursday that her firm is reviewing the district's response.
"At this point we need to investigate what they said to know if (the issues are) resolved or not," she said.
She said attorneys are trying to set up a meeting with district administrators to discuss the issues further. She expects it to occur in early July.
Hiram Johnson administrators were under pressure to move almost 400 students – most of them English-language learners or at-risk students – out of classes that were being taught by substitute teachers two months into the school year, when they made the controversial schedule changes.
"It is clear that Hiram Johnson's decision to transfer these students was made based not on the educational needs of the affected students, but rather on where there were empty desks to fill," wrote Kini and fellow attorney John Affeldt in their complaint.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
