Concerns raised on charter renewal of Palm Desert Charter Middle School

Teachers and parents at Palm Desert Charter Middle School raised concerns over negotiations on the school’s charter. It’s up for renewal with the Desert Sands Unified School District and they had questions and went to the superintendent for answers.

“The teachers are scared and we’re scared about our livelihood and our future and who will protect us,” Alex Napier, a PDCMS teacher, said.

Teachers say the district is asking the school to become an independent employer, in order to keep its charter, prompting fears the school could lose it.

“We just don’t feel like we’ll be able to offer the rich curriculum that we’re offering our students right now,” Napier said.

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Those concerns were raised at a monthly coffee session with Superintendent Scott Bailey. Teachers feared that becoming an independent employer would mean they lose some union protections.
One parent says the school’s test scores have been high and have managed their own finances well…therefore, no need for any change.

“The charter schools are able to manage and control their own finances and because we have been able to do that, we have plenty of reserves, we have all of the books kids need,” Jana Johnson, a parent, said.

Bailey explained the charter renewal was a routine review process done every five years. He said any changes were spurred by the need to be compliant with state education codes-

“There’s no intention to not have the school be a charter school. There’s every intention for the charter to be legally compliant.,” he said.

As far as the charter negotiations, this is what Bailey said.

“We’re working towards a mutual agreement and students and staff are definitely at the forefront of every conversation,” he said.

A conversation Johnson said she’ll continue to have.

“There’s nothing more important than to fight for your kids education. That is the most important thing in my opinion we can give our kids right now.

The deadline to have the charter renewed is June 30th. Parents say they will address this issue at the next school board meeting in mid-June.