Kidd Street Charter School renewal sparks passionate community support

The Santa Rosa City Schools Board convened a public hearing on the renewal of the Kidd Street Charter School's charter for a five-year term, set to begin on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2030. The charter renewal request was submitted on September 5, 2024, in accordance with California Education Code 47605, which mandates public input on such requests. The board will not make a decision during this hearing but plans to vote on the renewal on November 13, 2024.

During the hearing, several students, parents, and staff members voiced their support for the charter school. Poppy Johnson, a sixth grader, highlighted the welcoming environment and diverse extracurricular activities, including a robotics club and a school play, which foster a sense of community among students. Vivian Morris, also in sixth grade, praised the school's supportive atmosphere and the resources it provides, such as free meals and after-school programs.

Kathleen Malamo, the school's director, emphasized the progress made since the last renewal in 2017, including the adoption of a new assessment system and improvements in social-emotional learning. She underscored the school's commitment to nurturing students' well-being and creativity through various programs.

Parents echoed these sentiments, with Elizabeth DiPrimo sharing her family's positive experience after transferring from a school where her child faced bullying. Christine Williams noted the transformative impact Kidd Street had on her child's enthusiasm for learning, attributing their success to the school's supportive and individualized approach.

The board will consider these testimonies and the staff's findings, which will be posted by October 29, 2024, before making a final decision on the charter renewal.