Students and parents at Kipsol Academy in East Los Angeles, Los Angeles, are trying to keep schools open as the Los Angeles Unified School District is set to close.
LAUSD voted not to renew its middle school charters earlier this year. According to a report submitted by the district in January, charter schools categorized as neutral schools have not made enough progress to meet performance standards.
“I’m really sad and upset that they don’t see our school as a good school,” said sixth grader Josiah Jones.
Parents also oppose the district’s decision and have gathered community support to keep East LA School open.
These programs include Mariachi and Folklore Dance, and Mental Health Services.
Edith Gonzalez, who sent three sons to campus, feels the school is focused on academic achievement.
“They keep pushing on our kids. If they get behind, they’ll intervene to help them catch up with the other kids,” Gonzalez said.
Lynzzi Brianza, KIPP’s Chief External Impact Officer, admits that the school currently fails to meet some standards, but says that the school’s midterm scores have shown improvements.
“Like other public schools in our community, we are still recovering from the pandemic and it will take some time,” Brianza said. “Whatever they feel comfortable saying they’re going to do that. You want to go back once a month and issue a report to the board. We do that.
KIPP Sol is currently suing the county board of education that can override the LAUSD decision and keep schools open. The school will move ahead of the County Board of Education next week, and they hope to keep their appeal open with a vote in favor. If they are not successful, they can appeal to the state.
NBCLA contacted LAUSD for comment but received no response.
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