Almost one in eight public school students in California—over 709,000—attend charter public schools, and more than 9 million Californians have benefited from the hope and opportunity they provide. But we are living in turbulent times. Economic uncertainty, social pressures, and shifting demographics have led to declining student enrollment, especially in metropolitan areas, increasing pressure on both district and charter public schools alike.
When resources become scarce, political tensions rise. But this is precisely when we must do more, do better, and do right by students—whether they attend district schools or independent charter schools.
Since the pandemic, underserved students across the state have struggled to recover academically. When a school is excelling in helping Black students succeed, when it fosters belonging, efficacy, and agency, and when the State of California recognizes its success—awarding it the designation of a California Distinguished School or a High Track school—that school is worth preserving.
On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Education (ACOE) will decide the fate of AIMS K-8, a California Distinguished School that has significantly advanced academic excellence among Black students.
Under state law, high-performing charter schools with a proven track record of closing achievement gaps qualify for presumptive charter renewal to continue serving their communities.
Yet, ACOE trustees are threatening to close AIMS K-8 over technicalities that do not justify shutting down a high-performing school. AIMS K-8 seeks renewal from ACOE because the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) voted to close the school in December.
Unfortunately, that action was part of a larger pattern. In recent years, OUSD has escalated its opposition to charter public schools, overreaching its authority even as it continues to struggle with fiscal peril and chronic underachievement.
To be clear, the dedicated educators within OUSD are working tirelessly to serve students and deserve every resource possible to improve student outcomes. But political battles—pitting district and charter public schools against each other—only serve as a smokescreen to avoid making the difficult, necessary decisions that will actually strengthen public education in Oakland.
Shutting down AIMS K-8 will not solve enrollment issues, close budget gaps, or fix Oakland Unified’s financial instability. The only thing it will do is deny thriving Black scholars the opportunity to continue soaring.
ACOE must weigh its decision carefully, resist political pressure, uphold its legal duty, and renew AIMS K-8.
AIMS K-8 is not the only school at risk.
Leadership Oakland R&D and Oakland Charter High School—two other successful charter schools—are also facing the same challenges on appeal at ACOE after being denied renewal by OUSD.
California law is clear:
ACOE is required to review renewal petitions based on academic merit using the state’s CDE “track” system.Appeals must be reviewed with “fresh eyes” (de novo) to ensure fairness.
High Track schools—like AIMS K-8—qualify for presumptive renewal and a seven-year extension.
OUSD failed to honor this provision, and ACOE must not make the same mistake.
The three schools facing closure should not be punished for their success. They should be celebrated for their courage, commitment, and excellence—and granted renewal without conditions. That is what their students deserve.
WATCH THIS: Understand how AIMS K-8 is a place where every learner thrives!
Myrna Castrejón has been the President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association since January 2019. Innovate & Educate is an occasional column in which she explores statewide K-12 issues through a charter public school lens.
