Envision proposes merger of City Arts & Tech and Leadership High; board schedules follow-up hearing

Envision Schools presented an initial public hearing on Sept. 28 proposing a material revision to combine City Arts & Tech (CAT) and Leadership High School into a single school to be called City Arts and Leadership High School during transition (a final permanent name to be determined). The petition would phase in the merger over two years (2022–24), operate across the Luther Burbank and San Miguel campuses while the consolidation occurs, and move the full program to the San Miguel (350 Seneca) campus starting in the 2024–25 school year.

Envision representatives said the combined school would eventually serve about 400 students on a single campus; during the transition they expect combined headcount to require two sites. Programmatically, Envision said it will retain CAT’s signature portfolio defense and A–G graduation rates while incorporating Leadership’s restorative-practices and wellness approaches, sports programming and college-preparation features. Envision representatives said all Leadership staff who join the merged school would become Envision employees and that students from both sites would be guaranteed enrollment slots in the combined school.

District staff outlined the material-revision review process under Education Code 47605(c): staff will evaluate whether the revised petition continues to meet charter-petition standards, how instructional programs will be combined, and whether enrollment projections justify use of two campuses during the phase-in. Facilities agreements would need revision: CAT’s existing co-location agreement at Luther Burbank (through 2026) would be revised and a new agreement would be required for San Miguel beginning 7/1/2022 if the petition is approved. The board set a second public hearing and potential action for Oct. 26 so staff can publish findings and recommendations.

Public comment at the hearing was largely supportive: students, alumni, staff and parents from both schools testified in favor of the merger, citing complementary strengths and enhanced curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Board members asked staff to analyze consequences for co-located sites (including June Jordan) and to include facilities and Prop. 39 considerations in staff findings.

The hearing produced no vote; staff will publish findings and return to the board for action at the Oct. 26 hearing.