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Agenda Item
H.-2 24-2354 Initial Public Hearing by the Board of Education of Leadership Public Schools - Oakland R & D Campus ("LPS Oakland") - Petition and Charter (Renewal) - Grades 9 -12, for the term Ju1y 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027, pursuant to Education Code Section 47605.
My name is Rashima Sonson, and I am a CTE Dual Enrollment teacher for the DMMA Pathway at LPS Oakland R&D. Over the past two years, I’ve witnessed LPS Oakland prioritize our students—fostering cultural responsiveness, academic growth, and opportunities that empower them to lead in college, career, and their communities.
Closing LPS Oakland R&D would be a devastating loss for our students and families. It would disrupt their access to a supportive environment and tailored programs that have been critical to their success. Many families rely on our school not just for education but as a cornerstone of hope and opportunity in their lives.
We’ve made tremendous progress over the years, and I urge you to help us continue this momentum by renewing our charter. Together, we can keep building a brighter future for our students to thrive
Hello my name is Martin Calderon. I am in the 11th grade. I have been in this school since I was a freshman. As an ELD student I think this school should stay open because they make their students feel safe and they have shown me good support since I arrived. My learning has grown little by little in LPS.
Hello, my name is Celeste Dyer and I am a 9th grade student at LPS Oakland. I enjoy this school because there aren't as many students as Castlemont, and I feel more comfortable with the people here. In my advisory, I am not pushed to go beyond my limits, like speaking up when I don't want to, that's one of the multiple reasons I am comfortable in this school. All of my siblings went to Castlemont, and they all have said that they think LPS would be the better option for me, and I trusted them and picked this school, and I do not regret it.
My name is Aaron Morales I’m in 9th grade I have been a student at Leadership Public Schools since the start of the school year. They have helped me thrive as a athlete in cross country by giving me emotional, verbal and physical support. The teachers at LPS help me grow academically as athletically, the teachers are nice and welcoming. As a new student I didn’t anticipate as much care as I received when I first arrived at the school. Even thought it’s a small school it’s packed with nice, smart and thoughtful teachers.
Hello, my name is Taliyah Kelly. I'm an office assistant supporting Leadership Public Schools Home Office. I've been working closely with LPS Oakland R&D for the past two years and I have witnessed a significant amount of improvements/ progress for both students and staff. The school consists of a small intimate environment, the staff is attentive to its students and academics and personal interests are a priority for each student to have the ultimate educational experience. I hope this school has the opportunity to stay open.
My name is Dr. Jaime Colly and I am the Vice President of Local Advocacy, Northern California for CCSA. I am writing to give my full support to LPS for their charter renewal. I am confident that they will live up to the goals set forth in the petition and ensure that their students are receiving a quality education.
Hello my name is Kayla Perez. I am the Coordinator of Business Operations and Finance in the Leadership Public Schools (LPS) network. I have admired the dedication I've seen from the staff members at LPS Oakland R&D. They work tirelessly with supporting their students and their families to ensure they receive equal opportunity to enrich their lives and to provide an exceptional and exciting high school experience. LPS Oakland R&D has provided a warm and welcoming environment for their students where they feel heard and are given opportunities to make a difference in their lives and in their communitty.
My name is Karl Cepeda and I have been an educator for over a decade. Although I have taught many subjects in different places, LPS Oakland is special. I have never seen a staff more devoted to the success of their students. Whether it be an encouraging conversation in the hall or a tough talk in class, everyone from teachers, to admin., to staff are here to support and encourage the students at LPS Oakland to do their best. Despite the many challenges our students face, whether in school or in the community, they always happy to engage with their classmates and teachers. It would be a terrible shame and a detriment to the continual development of our community if LPS Oakland's charter is not renewed. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hello, and thank you for granting the opportunity to share our experience collaborating and teaching at LPS Oakland R&D.
I am here speaking on behalf of my fellow faculty members in Mobile and Web Design within the Department of Multimedia Arts at Berkeley City College.
We aim to provide the Technical and lived experience, which propels success in our current careers. Our BCC faculty of instructors have real world expertise, having come from NBC Universal Studios, NASA, Oracle, Indeed, and many other well recognized institutions in the field of Fine Art and Technology.
We are really proud to be collaborating and supporting college education pathways at LPS Oakland R&D.
Hi my name is Yamil, I'm in 11th grade and I like the school because of the teachers, they are supportive and it really feels like they care.The school is still expanded and the activities are genuinely fun.
Greetings. My name is Dr. Linda Itoka. I am the EL Coordinator, ELPAC LEA Coordinator, The New Teacher Network facilitator, and teach English Language Development (ELD) for EL students for the Leadership Public School (LPS) network. This is my fourth year with LPS and my second year teaching ELD for LPS Oakland R&D. Utilizing the new E. L. Achieve Systematic curriculum for our EL students has been great in showing student improvement in English proficiency. The staff is very supportive of our students through ongoing professional development and collaboration in using strategies to ensure these students are successful. Our students know that having a growth mindset will assist them in having the fortitude to accomplish their academic goals and work to use the support system available at the school to achieve those goals. The mission and vision of the school is being accomplished. LPS Oakland R&D is a vital resource for education and development. I support its continuation.
My name is Rosa Chavarria, and I am the principal at LPS Richmond, part of the Leadership Public Schools network. Together, we are committed to ensuring all students are supported on their paths to college and career. What makes LPS Oakland R&D special? It is a small, safe environment with dedicated educators, and students who are empowered to achieve their dreams and succeed beyond high school.
Hello, My name is Emily Ibanez and I am the Family Liaison at LPs Oakland R&D. This is my second school year working with LPS Oakland and since starting I have seen the major improvement of parent involvement, admin dedication by uplifting the students and improving their overall hs experience, as well as focusing on their academic improvements and achievements. To deny the charter of this school would be to deny these students of the opportunity of a well balanced, dedicated, and enriched academic school experience here in east Oakland CA.
Hello, my name is Berlin Torres and I am a senior at LPS. I love this school because it has amazing teachers and students. This school has really showed me how to work extremely hard and never give up on everything. The dean of the school, Ms. Marceli, has been very supportive and she has pushed me to never give up, especially on my applications. I love my counselors, they are the best and the sweetest. My counselors and Ms. Marceli have really supported me the most throughout this year. LPS has really made me genuinely like going to school. I really want this school to stay open so that other students get the same amazing opportunities I got.
I'm Michelle Ciraulo, an Education Specialist spending my first of hopefully many years working at Leadership Oakland. This school provides an intimate and supportive environment for its students, whose education would be significantly disrupted by its closure. The staff and teachers at LPS Oakland care deeply about making sure each one of their students succeed and reach their potential. The consistency and care provided by this school is important to all the students served.
My name is Sabrina Silverman-Fernandez and I am the principal at LPS Hayward, a school within the LPS network. As a network of schools, the vision and mission is to ensure all students are supported for college and career. As a small school, LPS Oakland R&D has the ability to support students individually and ensure they are staying on track for graduation and beyond. As a network of schools, we support each other and believe in the need for continued support and collaboration.
My name is Mandy Moore and I am an Education Specialist at LPS Oakland R&D. Closing this school would be a detriment to the current students, their families, and the community at large. LPS provides an alternative for students with individual needs, whether they be academic, social/emotional, or English language development. The entire staff works tirelessly to help students achieve not only academic success, but also focus on their paths for the future, sometimes allowing them to be the first in their families to graduate high school and attend college. Without LPS Oakland in the community, our students would have to find alternatives that are not as closely tuned into the specific needs of our learners. The consistency of LPS for our students should be something they can continue to count on as they maneuver their way through high school and into their future.
Greetings,
My name is Rashima Sonson, and I am a CTE Dual Enrollment teacher for the DMMA Pathway at LPS Oakland R&D. Over the past two years, I’ve witnessed LPS Oakland prioritize our students—fostering cultural responsiveness, academic growth, and opportunities that empower them to lead in college, career, and their communities.
Closing LPS Oakland R&D would be a devastating loss for our students and families. It would disrupt their access to a supportive environment and tailored programs that have been critical to their success. Many families rely on our school not just for education but as a cornerstone of hope and opportunity in their lives.
We’ve made tremendous progress over the years, and I urge you to help us continue this momentum by renewing our charter. Together, we can keep building a brighter future for our students to thrive
Thank you.
Hello my name is Martin Calderon. I am in the 11th grade. I have been in this school since I was a freshman. As an ELD student I think this school should stay open because they make their students feel safe and they have shown me good support since I arrived. My learning has grown little by little in LPS.
Hello, my name is Celeste Dyer and I am a 9th grade student at LPS Oakland. I enjoy this school because there aren't as many students as Castlemont, and I feel more comfortable with the people here. In my advisory, I am not pushed to go beyond my limits, like speaking up when I don't want to, that's one of the multiple reasons I am comfortable in this school. All of my siblings went to Castlemont, and they all have said that they think LPS would be the better option for me, and I trusted them and picked this school, and I do not regret it.
My name is Aaron Morales I’m in 9th grade I have been a student at Leadership Public Schools since the start of the school year. They have helped me thrive as a athlete in cross country by giving me emotional, verbal and physical support. The teachers at LPS help me grow academically as athletically, the teachers are nice and welcoming. As a new student I didn’t anticipate as much care as I received when I first arrived at the school. Even thought it’s a small school it’s packed with nice, smart and thoughtful teachers.
Hello, my name is Taliyah Kelly. I'm an office assistant supporting Leadership Public Schools Home Office. I've been working closely with LPS Oakland R&D for the past two years and I have witnessed a significant amount of improvements/ progress for both students and staff. The school consists of a small intimate environment, the staff is attentive to its students and academics and personal interests are a priority for each student to have the ultimate educational experience. I hope this school has the opportunity to stay open.
My name is Dr. Jaime Colly and I am the Vice President of Local Advocacy, Northern California for CCSA. I am writing to give my full support to LPS for their charter renewal. I am confident that they will live up to the goals set forth in the petition and ensure that their students are receiving a quality education.
Hello, my name is Nataly Maldonado, I am in 10th grade. As an EL student, I like that the school is calm and the teachers are supportive.
Hello my name is Kayla Perez. I am the Coordinator of Business Operations and Finance in the Leadership Public Schools (LPS) network. I have admired the dedication I've seen from the staff members at LPS Oakland R&D. They work tirelessly with supporting their students and their families to ensure they receive equal opportunity to enrich their lives and to provide an exceptional and exciting high school experience. LPS Oakland R&D has provided a warm and welcoming environment for their students where they feel heard and are given opportunities to make a difference in their lives and in their communitty.
My name is Karl Cepeda and I have been an educator for over a decade. Although I have taught many subjects in different places, LPS Oakland is special. I have never seen a staff more devoted to the success of their students. Whether it be an encouraging conversation in the hall or a tough talk in class, everyone from teachers, to admin., to staff are here to support and encourage the students at LPS Oakland to do their best. Despite the many challenges our students face, whether in school or in the community, they always happy to engage with their classmates and teachers. It would be a terrible shame and a detriment to the continual development of our community if LPS Oakland's charter is not renewed. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hello, and thank you for granting the opportunity to share our experience collaborating and teaching at LPS Oakland R&D.
I am here speaking on behalf of my fellow faculty members in Mobile and Web Design within the Department of Multimedia Arts at Berkeley City College.
We aim to provide the Technical and lived experience, which propels success in our current careers. Our BCC faculty of instructors have real world expertise, having come from NBC Universal Studios, NASA, Oracle, Indeed, and many other well recognized institutions in the field of Fine Art and Technology.
We are really proud to be collaborating and supporting college education pathways at LPS Oakland R&D.
Hi my name is Yamil, I'm in 11th grade and I like the school because of the teachers, they are supportive and it really feels like they care.The school is still expanded and the activities are genuinely fun.
Greetings. My name is Dr. Linda Itoka. I am the EL Coordinator, ELPAC LEA Coordinator, The New Teacher Network facilitator, and teach English Language Development (ELD) for EL students for the Leadership Public School (LPS) network. This is my fourth year with LPS and my second year teaching ELD for LPS Oakland R&D. Utilizing the new E. L. Achieve Systematic curriculum for our EL students has been great in showing student improvement in English proficiency. The staff is very supportive of our students through ongoing professional development and collaboration in using strategies to ensure these students are successful. Our students know that having a growth mindset will assist them in having the fortitude to accomplish their academic goals and work to use the support system available at the school to achieve those goals. The mission and vision of the school is being accomplished. LPS Oakland R&D is a vital resource for education and development. I support its continuation.
My name is Rosa Chavarria, and I am the principal at LPS Richmond, part of the Leadership Public Schools network. Together, we are committed to ensuring all students are supported on their paths to college and career. What makes LPS Oakland R&D special? It is a small, safe environment with dedicated educators, and students who are empowered to achieve their dreams and succeed beyond high school.
Hello, My name is Emily Ibanez and I am the Family Liaison at LPs Oakland R&D. This is my second school year working with LPS Oakland and since starting I have seen the major improvement of parent involvement, admin dedication by uplifting the students and improving their overall hs experience, as well as focusing on their academic improvements and achievements. To deny the charter of this school would be to deny these students of the opportunity of a well balanced, dedicated, and enriched academic school experience here in east Oakland CA.
Hello, my name is Berlin Torres and I am a senior at LPS. I love this school because it has amazing teachers and students. This school has really showed me how to work extremely hard and never give up on everything. The dean of the school, Ms. Marceli, has been very supportive and she has pushed me to never give up, especially on my applications. I love my counselors, they are the best and the sweetest. My counselors and Ms. Marceli have really supported me the most throughout this year. LPS has really made me genuinely like going to school. I really want this school to stay open so that other students get the same amazing opportunities I got.
Hello my name is Jesus and I like this school because it’s small, safe and supportive. Its also a diverse school so everyone fits in.
I'm Michelle Ciraulo, an Education Specialist spending my first of hopefully many years working at Leadership Oakland. This school provides an intimate and supportive environment for its students, whose education would be significantly disrupted by its closure. The staff and teachers at LPS Oakland care deeply about making sure each one of their students succeed and reach their potential. The consistency and care provided by this school is important to all the students served.
I'm a 2010 alumni, the school is good and great for the community love the culture!
My name is Sabrina Silverman-Fernandez and I am the principal at LPS Hayward, a school within the LPS network. As a network of schools, the vision and mission is to ensure all students are supported for college and career. As a small school, LPS Oakland R&D has the ability to support students individually and ensure they are staying on track for graduation and beyond. As a network of schools, we support each other and believe in the need for continued support and collaboration.
My name is Mandy Moore and I am an Education Specialist at LPS Oakland R&D. Closing this school would be a detriment to the current students, their families, and the community at large. LPS provides an alternative for students with individual needs, whether they be academic, social/emotional, or English language development. The entire staff works tirelessly to help students achieve not only academic success, but also focus on their paths for the future, sometimes allowing them to be the first in their families to graduate high school and attend college. Without LPS Oakland in the community, our students would have to find alternatives that are not as closely tuned into the specific needs of our learners. The consistency of LPS for our students should be something they can continue to count on as they maneuver their way through high school and into their future.