Clayton Valley Charter School: A College-Like Calendar Among Proposed Changes

Last week, the document that describes what Clayton Valley High School will be like if it becomes a charter school was released to the public.

, the Mount Diablo Unified School District board also has to sign off. If the board rejects the charter, the group supporting it could appeal its decision to county and state education officials.

If the proposal is approved, Clayton Valley would become a charter school in the 2012-13 school year.

The first paragraph of the charter's introduction is blunt about why advocates want to make the high school a charter school:

We want to stop the downward trend of poor student behavior, low academic focus, lack of accountability and complacent mediocrity that has infiltrated almost every corner of our school. We want to bring "Eagle Pride" back to our school and back to our hearts.

The 127-page document details how advocates believe becoming a charter school will improve education practices on campus dramatically, though the charter's mission statement is short and broad:

The mission of Clayton Valley Charter High School is to unite our stakeholders, including students, teachers and staff, parents and community members, in a common goal to diligently prepare all students for success in the 21st century. We believe in instilling timeless principles and fostering a culture of excellence with rigor, relevance and relationships.

Here are some highlights from the document:

• The school calendar could change radically. The charter says the school might decide to have a schedule that resembles a university calendar instead of a high school one. The school year might start earlier and have a longer winter break, and optional classes might be offered during the winter session.
• The phrase "school uniforms," which are often required at private and charter schools, appears just once. The charter does not state there will be school uniforms, but that it's a possibility.
• The charter makes it clear that students in the current attendance area of CVHS can attend the school if they choose. To be accepted, students will have to sign an agreement (concerning academics, attendance, dress and behavior codes and care of school property) with the school.
• There will be no tuition to attend the school, which is funded by the state per pupil, just like other public schools.
• The charter states, "CVCHS will develop with parents a written Parent Involvement Policy that will be updated annually." The level and type of parent involvement required is not stated.
• The charter school will be governed by a board of directors. The board will be composed of two teachers, a classified staff member, two parents, two members at large, one retired teacher and one administrator. The board will appoint an executive director to run the school.
• For teachers, the charter says it hopes "to offer a salary and benefits package that is at least equivalent in value to MDUSD (salaries), if not more. One of the ways we believe we can accomplish this goal, based on the preliminary budget, is through the elimination of furlough days."

The entire charter can be read here.