A controversial proposal to open a college-prep charter school at Rocklin or Whitney high schools was denied again by the Rocklin Unified school board.
In a unanimous vote Aug. 20, trustees said the proposed Western Sierra Collegiate Academy failed to meet legal requirements, despite lengthy efforts by the petitioner, Rocklin Academy.
"We are not anti-charter around here," board President Steve Paul said, noting that the district has approved three charter schools, including Rocklin Academy.
"This is just not the right time or the right place," he said.
David Patterson, executive director of Rocklin Academy, said the district's understanding of charter law is flawed.
"We're struck by the tone and continued attempts to hide the reality of the charter law behind personal feelings and the hidden agenda of the district," Patterson told the board.
Rocklin Academy officials say they will appeal the decision all the way to the state Board of Education, if necessary.
Most of the trustees' concerns were related to the proposed location of Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, which would serve students in seventh through 12th grade on an existing high school campus.
Trustees questioned a claim that Western Sierra would provide a small-school environment.
"I cannot see that this is in the best interest of the 10,000-plus students the district serves," trustee Wendy Lang said.
Other district concerns related to the charter school's budget, ability to serve students with special needs and governing issues.
The board said the petition was denied on the following legal grounds:
• The proposed charter school presents an unsound educational program for pupils.
• The petitioners are unlikely to be successful in implementing the program set forth in the petition
• The petition does not contain reasonably comprehensive descriptions of five of the 16 elements required in the state Education Code.
Emotions ran high among supporters and naysayers at the board meeting who pitted educational choices against current district programs.
"Our biggest frustration is that a majority of concerns could have been dealt with in honest communication," Patterson said.
Superintendent Kevin Brown said the district will stand by its recommendation.
Call The Bee's Lakiesha McGhee at (916) 773-7630.
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