Santino Reyes, et al. v. State of California

In September, a class action lawsuit was filed by three leaders representing over 30 growing, non-classroom based public school campuses that are excluded from funding owed to newly enrolled students. The lawsuit, Santino Reyes v. State of California, challenges the state in breaking its agreement with public schools by changing basic funding after enrollment decisions were made. The plaintiffs are:

• The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, Certified California Public Charter Schools serving North San Diego County since 1999. With over 5,500 students in grades TK-12, the schools are making a tremendous impact as they reinvent public education. The Classical Academies serves students from 39 cities across San Diego. Students have the option of attending class on campus 2 - 4 days per week. In addition, The Academies provide CIF sports, musical theater, clubs, class trips, field trips, music, and more.

• Springs Charter Schools are tuition-free, public schools of choice serving more than 8,000 California school children and their parents. Many Springs parents choose to homeschool full-time, while others choose two to five days per week of a blended model that includes classroom instruction with home study. Springs serves students in student centers in the Counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles.

• The Learning Choice Academy (TLC) is a public hybrid homeschool. We incorporate both school and parent involvement in educating students. Families can choose between a 100% homeschool program, or a hybrid program, with 3 days at school and 2 days at home.

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Samaiya Atkins et al. v. State of California

In July, charter school parents filed a lawsuit, Samaiya Atkins v. State of California, against the State of California, the Governor, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Controller, and the California Department of Education. The plaintiffs include 19 public school students attending four charter school organizations and are challenging the constitutionality of the Student Defunding Law. The plaintiffs are:

• Fortune School is a network of charter schools focused on closing the African American achievement gap. Fortune Scholars continue to surpass Sacramento County and San Bernardino City Unified School District in math and English Language Arts.

• John Adams Academy is preparing future leaders and statesmen through principle-based education centered in classics and great mentors.  

• Sycamore Creek Community Charter School wants all children and families to feel welcome and valued, and fosters this environment by bringing awareness to racism, white privilege, gender inequity, LGBTQ rights, socioeconomic status, family structure, and health, physical and neurodevelopmental differences.

• Voices College-Bound Language Academies prepares all students for higher education through an academically rigorous dual-language program. Voices is among the highest performing dual-language schools in the Bay Area and are closing the achievement gap of our English Language Learner and Latino students. Voices’ Latino students are outperforming Latino students from nearby districts in both ELA and Math.