Charter Schools

February 25, 2021

California education official who authored articles espousing conspiracy theories put on paid leave

Craig Heimbichner was promoted in January to the position of education administrator in the charter schools division of the education department.

Diana Lambert

November 25, 2020

Los Angeles charter schools offered reprieve amid pandemic

Citing “unprecedented circumstances” related to Covid-19, L.A. Unified chose to renew four charter schools that otherwise met the criteria to be denied renewal under a new law.

Michael Burke

August 10, 2020

Los Angeles is ground zero for the interpretation of California’s new charter schools law

Charter schools and district leaders in Los Angeles are at odds over a law giving districts more authority to reject charter schools.

Michael Burke

May 18, 2020

How some California charter schools support students during distance learning

Some charter schools with technology already in place are putting greater emphasis on family support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sydney Johnson

April 21, 2020

Los Angeles Unified enrollment dips below 600,000, a first in more than three decades

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown LA Unified's budget into an uncertain state. Drops in enrollment further hurt the district's finances.

Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis

February 26, 2020

Charter school politics still in play in LA Unified school board elections

A majority of school board seats in Los Angeles are on the ballot next week in a crucial election for the state’s largest school district.

Michael Burke

February 20, 2020

Michael Bloomberg has invested heavily in promoting charter schools in California

His backing of charter schools could have an impact on his drive for the Democratic nomination, especially if the race is not decided by the time of the convention.

Louis Freedberg

January 17, 2020

LA teachers’ union leader says 2019 strike sparked local and statewide change

In an interview, Alex Caputo-Pearl discusses the L.A. Unified strike’s legacy, current relations between the union and district and more.

Michael Burke

December 18, 2019

A California school’s alumni adviser hits the road to ease 1st-year college students’ jitters

Team of mentors and counselors from San Jose charter high keep in touch to ease transition to college for first-generation college students.

John Fensterwald

November 20, 2019

California Democratic Party says charter schools should have publicly elected boards

The approval of stronger language in the party platform comes as criticism of charter schools mounts among Democratic presidential candidates.

Louis Freedberg

November 8, 2019

Oakland school board closes meeting to public, citing protests

No protesters showed up, prompting some critics to allege the board violated open meeting laws in its attempt to prevent disruptions.

Theresa Harrington

October 3, 2019

New era for charter schools: Newsom signs bill after intensive negotiations

For the first time, school districts will be able to consider a proposed charter school’s financial impact.

John Fensterwald

September 4, 2019

Gov. Newsom, legislative leaders agree on certification for all charter school teachers

California charter school teachers may soon have to get the same background checks and credentials as teachers in regular public schools.

Diana Lambert

August 20, 2019

Amid tensions statewide, an embattled California charter school's quest ends badly

Promise Academy had a partnership with the Tech Museum; its fight with San Jose Unified mirrors conflicts statewide over charter schools.

John Fensterwald

July 25, 2019

Dissent within statewide task force adds tension to California’s charter school debate

There's full agreement on 4 proposals but anger among some task force members over 7 proposals passed by a narrow majority as a package.

John Fensterwald