A Tug of War Over a Struggling School’s Future

Four principals have overseen Memorial Academy of Learning and Technology in three years. One left, later returned, and resigned again. Test scores have sunk. Turnover plagues its governing board. And its nonprofit status—the hallmark of plans to fix the school—has not been approved by the Internal Revenue Service, a potential stumbling block as San Diego Unified eyes the school’s progress.

A majority of teachers are now pressing for San Diego Unified to tuck the school back under its wing and liquidate Memorial’s governing board. If the charter dissolves, a desirable magnet program might locate at Memorial, a factor that has fueled their fervor. A vocal group of parents backs the idea. But the choice isn’t theirs to make.

Relinquishing the charter is up to Memorial’s board, an ever-shifting group whose legitimacy has been repeatedly questioned by teachers and some parents. Three years ago, its selection was struck with controversy as an activist group took the lion’s share of seats. Fifteen members have cycled through the board in three years. The board’s size has fluctuated, dropping precipitously from its intended 11 seats to a five-person body today.

Read it all here.

Published on March 30, 2008

End of Features Teaser