los angeles unified school district board of … (charters) issuance... · los angeles unified...

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Report

Bd. of Ed Rpt No. 197-10/11 of 5 Board of Education

March 1, 2011

Report Number: 197-10/11

Date: March 1, 2011

Subject: Issuance of Notice of Violations for Cornerstone Prep Charter School Pursuant to Education Code § 47607(d)

Responsible Staff:

Name José J. Cole-Gutiérrez, Director, Charter Schools

Office/Division Innovation and Charter Schools Division

Telephone No. (213) 241-2487

BOARD REPORT

Action Proposed:

Staff recommends the following action: Approve the issuance of a Notice of Violations pursuant to Education Code Section 47607 (d) for Cornerstone Prep School, requesting Cornerstone Prep School to remedy the violations by March 31, 2011. Further, that Staff be authorized to send and receive any documents in response to the Notice of Violations.

Background:

Cornerstone Prep School was originally approved by the Board of Education on December 10, 2002 and renewed on July 8, 2008. Cornerstone Prep School serves approximately 248 students in grades K-6. Pursuant to Education Code § 47607 (c), the authorizing entity may revoke the charter of a charter school if it finds, through a showing of substantial evidence, that the charter school did any of the following:

(1) Committed a material violation of any of the conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in the charter.

(2) Failed to meet or pursue any of the pupil outcomes identified in the charter.

(3) Failed to meet generally accepted accounting principles, or engaged in fiscal mismanagement.

(4) Violated any provision of the law. California Education Code § 47607 (d) requires the authorizing entity to notify the charter school in writing of any violation and give the charter school a reasonable opportunity to remedy the violation prior to revocation.



March 1, 2011

Cornerstone Prep School has failed to meet the pupil outcomes identified in the charter. For instance, Cornerstone Prep School has not fulfilled the component of its charter that indicates a minimum of 2% of students would move from one performance band to the next on the California Standards Tests (CSTs). Its charter states, “A goal for each child will be to meet or exceed grade level standards during their enrollment at the school.” It further indicates, “Cornerstone Prep will meet or exceed the percent of Annual Measurable Objectives on the AYP required by NCLB.” The CST results indicate that Cornerstone Prep School has failed to meet this goal. The results of the 2010 CSTs in the area of English Language Arts are as follows: On the 2010 CSTs, only 17% of its students scored Proficient/Advanced in English Language Arts, compared to the target of 56.8%, with 0% growth. Only 19% of its students scored Proficient/Advanced in Mathematics, compared to the target of 58.0%, with a -3% growth. The school had a 2007 API Growth of 630. Since that time, the school has shown fluctuating API scores not exceeding 600, has never attained all AYP criteria, did not meet Schoolwide or Subgroup targets for Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, and English Learners in 2010, and has progressed to PI 5 status. Cornerstone Prep School’s 2009 Base API State Rank is 1 and the 2009 Base API Similar Schools Rank is 1. It did not meet the minimum API Growth of 650. Its 2010 API Growth of 574 makes it the lowest performing of all LAUSD-authorized charter schools and LAUSD elementary schools. Over the course of five years, Cornerstone Prep School has seen an overall decline of 26 points. Furthermore, Cornerstone Prep School has failed to meet its target of reclassifying “a minimum of 10% of its identified ELL population,” as indicated by the 2010 reclassification of 0%. It had reclassified 13.1% of English Learners in 2009. For 2009-2010, the LAUSD rate of reclassification was 15.1%. Moreover, Cornerstone was noted under the District’s Public School Choice Resolution as meeting the criteria as a “focus school.” The criteria for the focus schools are as follows:

1. Has been in Program Improvement Status for three or more years 2. Has an Academic Performance Index (API) score of less than 650 3. Has 30% or fewer of its students scoring Proficient or Advanced on



March 1, 2011

4. the California Standards Tests (CSTs) in English Language Arts and Math

5. Has less than a 10 percentage point increase in students reaching

Proficient/Advanced in ELA or Math and has less than a 10 percentage point decrease of students moving out of Far Below Basic (FBB)/Below Basic (BB) in ELA or Math

6. Has made less than a 100 point net API gain over five years 7. Did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets 8. Has less than 10 percentage points of any group (Black or African

American, Hispanic or Latino, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities) moved to proficiency

In the previous oversight visits, the Innovation and Charter Schools Division has been very transparent with the leadership of Cornerstone Prep School about specific concerns in the areas of Student Achievement and Educational Performance, Governance and Operations, and Fulfillment of the Charter and has discussed with the school the need for the closure of Cornerstone Prep School. In the renewal process, the governing body of Cornerstone Prep School had carefully reviewed its performance. In analyzing the data and considering issues and challenges that had been addressed by the Charter Schools Division at that time, Cornerstone Prep School chose to focus on its elementary school and sought the renewal of only grades K-6. The school voluntarily closed the seventh and eighth grades in the middle school and closed the school’s second site on June 30, 2008. Cornerstone also committed material violations of the conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in the charter. Cornerstone materially violated provisions under its charter dealing with Measurable Pupil Outcomes (Element 2), Governance (Element 4) and Employee Qualifications (Element 5).

Expected Outcomes:

Cornerstone Prep School is requested to remedy the violations listed in the attached Notice of Violations on or before March 31, 2011. Cornerstone Prep School’s failure to remedy the violations will lead to a recommendation for the Board of Education to issue a Notice of Intent to Revoke and Notice of Facts in support of revocation. If the Board ultimately revokes Cornerstone Prep School’s charter at a subsequent revocation hearing, Cornerstone Prep School ceases to operate. The



March 1, 2011

charter school may choose to file an appeal with LACOE within 30 days of the revocation. [Education Code §47607 (f) (l)]. Cornerstone Prep School would be allowed to operate pending any appeal. [Education Code §47607(i)].

Board Options and Consequences:

“Yes” – Approve the issuance of the Notice of Violations to Cornerstone Prep School. Board directs ICSD staff to issue to the Notice of Violations and receive any response from Cornerstone Prep School. Further, on April 5, 2011, ICSD will report to the Board at a public meeting, Cornerstone Prep School’s response to the Notice of Violations and recommendation to the Board. “No” – Notice of Violations will not be issued. Cornerstone Prep School will not be required to remedy the violations and the formal revocation process will not be initiated.

Policy Implications: The Policy for Charter Schools adopted in 2010.

Budget Impact: The budget impact will be dependent on the resolution of revocation proceedings.

Issues and Analysis:

Find attached Notice of Violations and attached exhibits outlining grounds for revocation based on failure to meet or pursue pupil outcomes and material violation of conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in the charter.

Attachments: � Informative � Desegregation Impact Statement

Notice of Violations Pursuant to Education Code § 47607(d).



March 1, 2011

Respectfully submitted, APPROVED BY: RAMON C. CORTINES MICHELLE KING Superintendent of Schools Deputy Superintendent of School Operations APPROVED & PRESENTED BY: REVIEWED BY: JOSÉ J. COLE-GUTIÉRREZ DAVID HOLMQUIST Director, Charter Schools General Counsel Innovation and Charter Schools Division � Approved as to form. YUMI TAKAHASHI Budget Director

� Approved as to budget impact statement.

March 1, 2011 Robert Leonard, Board President Cornerstone Prep Charter School 628 South Palm Avenue Ripon, CA 95366 RE: NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS PURSUANT TO EDUCATION CODE SECTION 47607 (D) Dear Mr. Leonard and Governing Board of Cornerstone Prep Charter School: Pursuant to its oversight obligations, the Los Angeles Unified School District (“District”) is serving this NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS on Cornerstone Prep Charter School and its governing board (“Cornerstone” or “Cornerstone Prep”) as authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

Pursuant to California Education Code Section 47607(d), the authorizing entity is required to notify the charter school in writing of any violation and give the charter school a reasonable opportunity to remedy the violation prior to revocation. Also, pursuant to Education Code Section 47607(c), the authorizing entity may revoke the charter of a charter school if it finds, through a showing of substantial evidence, that the charter school did any of the following:

(1) Committed a material violation of any of the conditions, standards, or procedures set

forth in the charter. (2) Failed to meet or pursue any of the pupil outcomes identified in the charter. (3) Failed to meet generally accepted accounting principles, or engaged in fiscal

mismanagement. (4) Violated any provision of law.

The District hereby places Cornerstone on notice of its intent to revoke the Charter if it fails to remedy such violations. The District reserves its right to immediately revoke the Charter upon its written determination that any violations constitute a severe and imminent threat to the health and safety of the pupils. (Education Code section 47607(d))

RAMON C. CORTINESSuperintendent PARKER HUDNUT Executive Director JOSÉ COLE-GUTIÉRREZ Director, Charter Schools MONIQUE N. EPPS Director, iDesign & Pilot Schools

Innovation and Charter Schools LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 333 South Beaudry Avenue, 25th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 Charters: (213) 241-2487 iDesign: (213) 241-5104 Fax: (213) 241-4710

Cornerstone Prep Charter School Notice of Violations Page 2 of 11

Doc# 183733

VIOLATIONS The District’s Innovation and Charter Schools Division (“ICSD”) has reviewed the state test results of Cornerstone Prep’s students and supporting documents, and determined that there is substantial evidence of failure on the part of Cornerstone Prep to meet the pupil outcomes identified in its charter. One gross example is the decline of its test scores to the level that has resulted in the school ranking lower than all Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools in terms of 2010 API.

Moreover, Cornerstone was noted under the District’s Public School Choice Resolution as meeting the criteria as a “focus school.” The criteria for the focus schools are as follows:

1. Has been in Program Improvement Status for three or more years

2. Has an Academic Performance Index (API) score of less than 650

3. Has 30% or fewer of its students scoring Proficient or Advanced on the California

Standards Tests (CSTs) in English Language Arts and Math

4. Has less than a 10 percentage point increase in students reaching Proficient/Advanced in ELA or Math and has less than a 10 percentage point decrease of students moving out of Far Below Basic (FBB)/Below Basic (BB) in ELA or Math

5. Has made less than a 100 point net API gain over five years

6. Did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets

7. Has less than 10 percentage points of any group (Black or African American,

Hispanic or Latino, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities) moved to proficiency

Below is a summary of critical findings. Please see tables in following pages for details:

In 2009-2010, Cornerstone received an API score of 574, a decrease of 26 points

from the previous year and 164 points lower than the median API of 738 for Similar Schools as identified by the California Department of Education.

Cornerstone has been in Program Improvement (PI) status since 2006-2007 and is

now in PI 5 status.

Cornerstone did not meet Schoolwide or Subgroup growth targets in 2010.

Cornerstone’s 2009 State Rank is “1” and 2009 Similar Schools Rank is “1”.

83% of Cornerstone’s students are “Basic, Below Basic & Far Below Basic” in English Language Arts.

81% of Cornerstone’s students are “Basic, Below Basic & Far Below Basic” in

Mathematics.


Doc# 183733

Cornerstone is the lowest performing elementary school based on CDE’s list of LAUSD Similar Schools, Resident Schools and Comparison Schools.

The following are the violations and substantial evidence to support the issuance of the Notice of Intent to Revoke. 1. Failure to Meet or Pursue Pupil Outcomes Identified in the Charter (Ed. Code

section 47607(c) (2)). 1. Evidence

a. API Scores/Program Improvement Status

Table 1. API Scores/Program Improvement Status

Year API Base Growth Target

API Growth

Actual Growth

Met Adequate

Yearly Progress?

Program Improvement

Status

2003-2004 N/A N/A 514 N/A N/A N/A 2004-2005 536 13 625 89 No N/A 2005-2006 625 9 566 -59 No N/A 2006-2007 567 12 630 63 No Year 1 2007-2008 628 9 578 -50 No Year 2 2008-2009 579 11 600 21 No Year 3 2009-2010 600 10 574 -26 No Year 4 2010-2011 574 * * * * Year 5

*Results not yet available for 2010-2011 Data obtained from California Department of Education

b. API State Rank

Year API State

Rank

API Similar Schools

Rank 2004 N/A N/A 2005 1 6 2006 1 1 2007 1 3 2008 1 1 2009 1 1 2010 * *

*Results not yet available for 2010-2011 Data Obtained from California Department of Education

c. API Base Demographics and 2009 API Growth with Comparison Schools

(Compiled by LAUSD Office of Data and Accountability, January 2011)

CORNERSTONE PREP 2008 API BASE DEMOGRAPHICS AND 2009 API GROWTH WITH COMPARISON SCHOOLS

School: CORNERSTONE PREP Address: 7651 S CENTRAL AVE Span: 1- 6

LD BD Loc

Code School

En

rollm

ent

1st

Day

T

esti

ng

Mu

lti-

Tra

ck

PI S

tatu

s 08

-09

Bla

nk

= n

ot

in P

I

Met

200

9 S

cho

olw

ide

Gro

wth

Tar

get

Met

all

Su

bg

rou

p

Gro

wth

Tar

get

s

200

9 A

PI G

row

th

200

8 B

ase

AP

I

200

8 B

ase

AP

I Sta

te

Ran

k

200

8 B

ase

AP

I S

imila

r S

cho

ols

Ran

k

% F

ree/

Red

uce

d

Lu

nch

% S

p E

d

% G

AT

E

% E

L

% R

FE

P

% H

isp

% W

hit

e

% A

f. A

mer

% A

sian

% F

ili

SC

I

R 7 5961 CORNERSTONE PREP 289 No 4 Yes Yes 600 579 1 1 93 8 0 22 3 36 0 64 0 0 161.225

LAUSD Similar Schools from CDE

R 2 4765 DOWNTOWN VALUE SCH 328 No 1 No No 713 719 3 8 99 9 2 52 34 98 0 1 0 0 161.125

2 6 3829 BROADOUS EL 569 No 3 Yes Yes 698 691 2 6 100 9 3 55 19 95 1 4 0 0 161.494

8 1 4786 LA SALLE EL 545 No 4 Yes No 654 634 1 2 85 12 6 11 1 23 0 76 0 0 161.261

5 7 5068 MAIN ST EL 805 Yes 5 Yes Yes 721 670 1 4 94 9 3 65 14 89 0 10 0 0 161.048

7 1 5096 MANCHESTER EL 837 No 5 Yes Yes 695 670 1 4 100 9 2 49 13 76 0 23 0 0 161.475

R 2 2023 NEW ACADEMY-SCI&ARTS 120 No Yes Yes 768 729 3 9 99 7 0 82 15 99 0 0 0 0 161.057

7 7 5582 93RD ST EL 744 Yes 2 Yes No 747 728 3 9 96 8 7 45 10 74 0 26 0 0 161.002

7 1 5630 NORMANDIE EL 638 No 5 Yes Yes 686 642 1 2 91 15 0 43 5 70 0 29 0 0 161.572

7 7 5740 118TH ST EL 470 No 4 Yes Yes 712 694 2 6 100 8 3 46 8 72 0 27 0 0 161.267

7 7 5857 107TH ST EL 692 Yes 5 Yes Yes 637 620 1 1 95 6 5 47 8 70 0 29 0 0 161.283

7 7 6021 PARMELEE EL 704 Yes 5 Yes No 711 705 2 7 96 8 1 64 16 96 0 4 0 0 161.172

5 7 4680 LIZARRAGA EL 481 No 3 No No 670 672 1 5 95 12 2 63 14 91 0 9 0 0 161.244

1 6 3576 PARKS LRN CTR 667 Yes 3 Yes No 685 671 1 4 100 11 4 69 16 96 0 3 0 1 161.439

7 7 6438 RUSSELL EL 783 Yes 5 Yes Yes 710 702 2 8 94 8 4 57 13 85 0 14 0 0 160.871

5 2 6507 SAN PEDRO EL 495 Yes Yes Yes 769 741 4 10 100 13 4 63 21 99 0 1 0 0 161.144


Doc# 183733

LD BD Loc

Code School

En

rollm

ent

1st

Day

T

esti

ng

Mu

lti-

Tra

ck

PI S

tatu

s 08

-09

Bla

nk

= n

ot

in P

I

Met

200

9 S

cho

olw

ide

Gro

wth

Tar

get

Met

all

Su

bg

rou

p

Gro

wth

Tar

get

s

200

9 A

PI G

row

th

200

8 B

ase

AP

I

200

8 B

ase

AP

I Sta

te

Ran

k

200

8 B

ase

AP

I S

imila

r S

cho

ols

Ran

k

% F

ree/

Red

uce

d

Lu

nch

% S

p E

d

% G

AT

E

% E

L

% R

FE

P

% H

isp

% W

hit

e

% A

f. A

mer

% A

sian

% F

ili

SC

I

7 1 6630 75TH ST EL 964 Yes 5 Yes No 673 651 1 3 95 7 2 57 10 81 0 18 0 0 161.215

7 1 6808 61ST ST EL 536 Yes No No 718 714 2 8 91 11 2 56 11 83 0 16 0 0 161.035

5 7 7589 WADSWORTH EL 641 Yes 5 Yes No 661 652 1 3 100 7 3 61 21 93 0 6 0 0 161.474

8 1 7644 WEST ATHENS EL 594 Yes 4 Yes No 666 653 1 4 91 11 4 48 10 71 0 28 0 0 161.281

5 7 7654 WEST VERNON EL 697 Yes 5 Yes Yes 635 613 1 1 100 7 1 67 9 89 0 11 0 0 161.376

3 1 7671 WESTERN EL 525 No 5 Yes No 663 649 1 3 96 15 1 39 11 65 1 34 0 0 161.053 Median LAUSD Similar Schools from CDE 638 -- 5 -- -- 695 671 1 4 96 9 3 56 13 85 0 14 0 0 161.244 Resident Schools



7 7 6658 MC KINLEY EL 642 No 3 Yes Yes 717 712 2 5 100 9 4 51 15 84 0 16 0 0 163.268

7 1 6863 SOUTH PARK EL 630 Yes 2 Yes No 770 727 3 8 100 11 4 56 12 83 0 17 0 0 160.72

7 7 8112 DREW MS 2341 Yes 5 Yes Yes 569 536 1 1 84 9 7 42 31 83 0 17 0 0 148.886 Median Resident Schools 704 -- 5 -- -- 711 705 2 7 96 9 4 56 15 84 0 16 0 0 160.871 Comparison Schools in Charter



7 7 6658 MC KINLEY EL 642 No 3 Yes Yes 717 712 2 5 100 9 4 51 15 84 0 16 0 0 163.268

7 1 6863 SOUTH PARK EL 630 Yes 2 Yes No 770 727 3 8 100 11 4 56 12 83 0 17 0 0 160.72

7 7 8112 DREW MS 2341 Yes 5 Yes Yes 569 536 1 1 84 9 7 42 31 83 0 17 0 0 148.886 Median Comparison Schools in Charter 704 -- 5 -- -- 711 705 2 7 96 9 4 56 15 84 0 16 0 0 160.871


Doc# 183733

d. 2009-10 CST Results with Similar, Resident, and Comparison Schools (Compiled by LAUSD Office of Data and Accountability, January 2011)

English Language Arts Mathematics

Basic, Below Basic & Far Below

Basic

Proficient & Advanced

Basic, Below Basic & Far Below

Basic

Proficient & Advanced

CORNERSTONE PREP CHARTER SCHOOL 83% 17% 81% 19% Median LAUSD Similar Schools from CDE 60% 37% 49% 50% Median of Resident Schools 65% 34% 52% 48% Median of Comparison Schools in Charter 66% 36% 52% 48%

NOTE: Aggregated performance levels of median percentages may not equal 100% e. 2010 AYP

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) # Criteria # Met % Met

CORNERSTONE PREP CHARTER SCHOOL 21 10 48% 2. Violations

Cornerstone has failed to meet pupil outcomes as stated in the following provisions of its charter under Element 2 – Measurable Student Outcomes:

“Cornerstone Prep will meet or exceed the percent of Annual Measurable Objectives on the AYP required by NCLB.” (See Exhibit A, Cornerstone Charter, p. 47)

“It is our desire to continue to increase student performance toward proficient with a minimum of 2% shift in students from one category to the next. (i.e., 15% of second graders were proficient in 2007. It is the intent of Cornerstone to increase that number to 17% by 2008 and 2 additional percentage points each year at a minimum. 18% of second graders were below basic in 2007. It is the intent of Cornerstone to move a minimum of 2% of these students out of this category to Below Basic or above by 2008 and 2 additional percentage points each year at a minimum.” (Exhibit A, p. 48)

“As an overall measure of successful annual performance, Cornerstone will strive to accomplish the following measurable student outcomes as evidenced by California state exams including STAR, CAT, and CELDT:

1) Cornerstone will continue to achieve, at a minimum, its API targets as set by the State of California’s Department of Education in all areas.

2) Cornerstone will continue to show, at a minimum, targeted API growth by

subgroup as set and reported by the State of California’s Department of Education.


Doc# 183733

3) Through benchmark assessments (outlined in Element 3) administered in a pre and post-test setting, at least 80% of students will meet expected grade level achievement.

4) Cornerstone will continue, through effective instruction and support of its

English Language Learners, reclassify a minimum of 10% of its identified ELL population. (Exhibit A, pp. 48-49)

“Cornerstone will utilize the state process to reclassify English Language Learners who make appropriate progress to qualify for such reclassification. Cornerstone has adopted state-approved materials to meet the needs of our English Language Learners and will work to achieve, at a minimum, the goal of reclassifying at least 10% of its students.” (Exhibit A, p. 53)

“Its curriculum is designed to help students across the learning spectrum achieve to their fullest potential.” (Exhibit A, p. 18)

Based on the above data, Cornerstone has failed to meet or pursue pupil outcomes identified in its charter.

In 2009-2010, Cornerstone received an API score of 574, a decrease of 26 points from the previous year and 164 points lower than the median API of 738 for Similar Schools

Cornerstone has been in Program Improvement (PI) status since 2006-2007 and

is now in PI 5 status

Cornerstone did not meet Schoolwide or Subgroup growth targets

Cornerstone’s 2009 API State Rank is “1” and its 2009 API Similar Schools Rank is “1”

83% of Cornerstone’s students are “Basic, Below Basic & Far Below Basic” in

English Language Arts

81% of Cornerstone’s students are “Basic, Below Basic & Far Below Basic” in Mathematics

Cornerstone is the lowest performing elementary school based on CDE’s list of

LAUSD Similar Schools, Resident Schools and Comparison Schools. 3. Material Violations of Charter (Ed. Code §47607(c)(1)).

Furthermore, Cornerstone has committed material violations of the conditions, standards, or procedures set forth in its charter. 1. Material Violation of Element 2 – Measurable Student Outcomes

Cornerstone has violated the following provisions in Element 2 of its charter:


Doc# 183733

“Cornerstone Prep will meet or exceed the percent of Annual Measurable Objectives on the AYP required by NCLB.” (See Exhibit A, p. 47)

“It is our desire to continue to increase student performance toward proficient with a minimum of 2% shift in students from one category to the next. (i.e., 15% of second graders were proficient in 2007. It is the intent of Cornerstone to increase that number to 17% by 2008 and 2 additional percentage points each year at a minimum. 18% of second graders were below basic in 2007. It is the intent of Cornerstone to move a minimum of 2% of these students out of this category to Below Basic or above by 2008 and 2 additional percentage points each year at a minimum.” (Exhibit A, p. 48)

“As an overall measure of successful annual performance, Cornerstone will strive to accomplish the following measurable student outcomes as evidenced by California state exams including STAR, CAT, and CELDT:

1) Cornerstone will continue to achieve, at a minimum, its API targets as set by the State of California’s Department of Education in all areas.

2) Cornerstone will continue to show, at a minimum, targeted API growth by

subgroup as set and reported by the State of California’s Department of Education.

3) Through benchmark assessments (outlined in Element 3) administered in

a pre and post-test setting, at least 80% of students will meet expected grade level achievement.

4) Cornerstone will continue, through effective instruction and support of its

English Language Learners, reclassify a minimum of 10% of its identified ELL population. (Exhibit A, pp. 48-49)

“Cornerstone will utilize the state process to reclassify English Language Learners who make appropriate progress to qualify for such reclassification. Cornerstone has adopted state-approved materials to meet the needs of our English Language Learners and will work to achieve, at a minimum, the goal of reclassifying at least 10% of its students.” (Exhibit A, p. 53)

Based on the above academic performance data, Cornerstone has failed to meet the pupil outcomes stated in its charter. Since the renewal of Cornerstone Prep in 2008, there have been significant declines in the achievement levels of students in numerically significant subgroups with Black or African American students moving from being the lowest achieving subgroup to the highest. However, in every case, there has been a significant decrease in Subgroup APIs. The Subgroup API for Black or African American students decreased from 593 to 582, for Hispanic or Latino students the Subgroup API dramatically decreased from 665 to 569, for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students the Subgroup API decreased from 622 to 570, and for English Learners the Subgroup API significantly decreased from 623 to 546.

Furthermore, in 2009, Cornerstone reclassified 13.1% of its English Learners but in 2010

it reclassified none.


Doc# 183733

Based upon the school’s submissions of the NCLB grids, only six of thirteen teachers and the interim principal who were teachers at Cornerstone Prep in January 2010 are current employees. Four of thirteen teachers left or were released between September 29, 2010 and December 17, 2010. The teacher turnover raises a concern with the provision of stable instruction at the charter school especially given the school’s continuing low performance.

2. Material Violation of Element 4 - Governance

Cornerstone has violated the following provisions in Element 4 of its charter: o According to its organizational chart, there should be a Charter Advisory

Committee with “representatives of all stakeholders, including parents, staff, and students where appropriate, and members of the community” that exists. Violation: Based on ICSD oversight and inquiries, there is no evidence that this committee is formed or functioning. According to the charter, the principal should be reporting solely to this committee, which then reports to the Board of Directors/President & CEO. (Exhibit A, p. 56-58)

o The Cornerstone Academy, Inc. (Board of Directors)

“Cornerstone Academy, Inc. oversees the day-to-day operations of Cornerstone Prep School, hires all employees and consultants for Cornerstone Prep School, and is responsible for all fiscal and educational programs. Cornerstone Academy, Inc., its officers and employees perform their duties as officers of Cornerstone Prep School and not as officers, employees, or agents of the school district. . . .

“Cornerstone Prep School Board of Directors is responsible for: the development and execution of an operational business plan that focuses

on student learning;

providing professional development that puts skills into context consistent with the overall school mission;

regular measurement of progress towards achieving both student and staff

performance;

effective human resource models for career and compensation;

a community communication process detailing student and school performance; and

an effective and efficient business process that ensures maximum utilization

of private and public resources, both human and financial.” (Exhibit A, p. 56)

Violation: Based on ICSD oversight, after the previous principal left Cornerstone in June 2009, a Chief Academic Officer was hired but released in April 2010. Since that time the school has been utilizing the services of a variety of support personnel, most of which live out of the school’s area. A teacher with two years’ experience at Cornerstone has been serving in the role of interim principal this


Doc# 183733

school year. The lack of strong instructional leadership calls into question the board’s governance of the charter school.

Furthermore, the former President/CEO, who currently works part-time on Title I matters, has resided in Florida during her service in both capacities. The current President/CEO, who previously was in charge of special education matters, has resided in Northern California during her service in both capacities. The Chair of Cornerstone Prep Schools Board of Directors lives in the Stockton, California area. The Vice Chair is a Professor Emeritus from the University of West Florida. Although an on-site Chief Operational Officer handles the school’s operations and board members travel to Los Angeles for quarterly meetings, the function of the President/CEO and other key members of the charter school’s board are questionable, especially considering the continued decline of the school’s academic performance.

3. Material Violation of Element 5 – Employee Qualifications

Cornerstone has violated the following provisions in Element 5 of its charter: o “Cornerstone strives to ensure that its principal has a minimum of 3 years

experience in school operations, holds a minimum of teacher licensure, with a principal’s license preferred. The individuals selected to serve as building principals are encouraged to possess licensure equivalent to that required to hold similar positions in a District school and offer support for their employees to achieve such certification. Cornerstone’s principal will be responsible for the day to day operations of the school, with support from identified corporate leaders.” (Exhibit A, p. 61.)

Violation: Based on ICSD oversight, after the previous principal left Cornerstone in June 2009, a Chief Academic Officer was hired instead but released in April 2010. Since that time the school has been utilizing the services of a variety of support personnel, most of which live out of the area. A teacher with two years’ experience at Cornerstone has been serving in the role of interim principal this school year.

REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME TO REMEDY VIOLATIONS The above violations need to be addressed and remedied on or before March 31, 2011 On April 5, 2011 the Board will take into account Cornerstone’s responses to this Notice of Violations when proceeding with revocation. Please provide a detailed, written response addressing each of the specifically identified violation. You may attach to your written response any supporting evidence of your refutation of the identified violations or remedial actions that have been taken by Cornerstone. Please submit your response to LAUSD’s Innovation and Charter Schools Division:

José Cole-Gutiérrez, Director Innovation and Charter Schools Division 333 South Beaudry Avenue, 25th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017


Doc# 183733

Upon the conclusion of the reasonable time to remedy, the LAUSD Board shall evaluate Cornerstone’s response and any supporting evidence. Should the LAUSD Board deem that Cornerstone has not taken the appropriate measures to address and remedy the above concerns and violations, a public hearing to consider issuance of a Notice of Intent to Revoke and Notice of Facts pursuant to Education Code section 47607(e) shall be scheduled.

Sincerely, Ramon C. Cortines Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District c: John Deasy, Deputy Superintendent Michelle King, Deputy Superintendent of School Operations

David H. Holmquist, General Counsel Parker Hudnut, Executive Director José Cole-Gutiérrez, Director, Charter Schools

Attachment: Exhibit A

Exhibit A

los angeles unified school district board of … (charters) issuance... · los angeles unified...

Documents