A charter conversion occurs when existing public schools transition to charter status while maintaining district oversight. This means there would be no change in governance. 

BVUSD began exploring a charter conversion as a strategic response to declining enrollment and the need for more equitable funding.

Without any material changes to our programs or working conditions, two main benefits include:

1. Increased funding - We were able to resolve a short-term budget deficit, but a longer-term plan is necessary for ongoing solvency. A charter conversion is a potential piece of a longer-term solution.
2. Programmatic flexibility - Charters are designed to provide schools with more flexibility in general. In our case, this could include a potential middle school expansion - although expansion or programmatic changes would require a separate, thoughtful planning process.

There are som additional considerations – although they are largely administrative. 

1. Administrative Complexity
Though BVUSD will operate as a single program, charter conversion requires the creation of a second legal entity (a new Local Educational Agency or "district"). This shouldn’t impact our educators or families, but does mean:

• Duplicated reporting, compliance, and accounting responsibilities
• Increased administrative workload and oversight

2. Funding Uncertainty
Charter conversion may provide access to new funding streams, but:

• There is no guarantee of long-term funding stability
• The state could reduce or eliminate charter-specific funding
• If funding is used to sustain people or programs, changes could have a significant impact

Careful planning, budgeting, and transparency will be essential to manage these risks.

We are required to maintain some traditional programming in a conversion. A partial conversion means only some grades or schools within the district become charter-operated. BVUSD will begin with grades 1 - 6 under the charter, while TK & K remain traditional. The approved petition allows for the charter to expand to include TK & K and also grades 7 and 8.

We do not anticipate any material difference between the programs in day-to-day operations between charter and non-charter classrooms. 

1. Develop a Charter Petition – outlines mission, governance, budget, and program
2. Collaborate with Employees – staff must be informed, protected, and 50%+ of permanent teachers must sign the petition
3. Submit for Approval – Board of Trustees must approve the petition, then it is submitted to the State Board of Education (SBE)

1. Oct 2024: Budget Study Sessions began
2. Fall 2024: Community messages shared, initial research with legal and fiscal advisors
3. Jan 2025: Board presentations and staff Q&A with legal experts
4. Feb–April 2025: Ongoing board discussions and approval
5. April 10, 2025: BVUSD Board approved the petition

• May 2025: Petition submitted to SBE
• July 9-10, 2025: SBE to review for final approval

The original charter petition did not include immediate plans for middle school. However, the approved petition allows the option to expand into 7th and 8th grades in the future.

No. As a TK–6 feeder district to Santa Rosa City Schools, BVUSD cannot authorize a traditional middle school. A charter structure provides the legal pathway.

At minimum, an expansion would require the following. 

• Community input and interest
• Curriculum development
• Facilities assessment and upgrades
• Budgeting and staffing
• Enrollment outreach and governance planning

This is not known yet. Design would be shaped by feedback, staffing, and available resources.

A site has not yet been selected. Location will depend on interest and facility readiness.

No. A 2025–26 launch is not feasible. The earliest realistic year would be 2026–27, depending on planning and readiness.

A detailed plan covering:

• Community engagement & feasibility
• Curriculum and course offerings
• Staffing and credentialing
• Facility use and upgrades
• Budget development
• Enrollment outreach
• Governance and compliance

At this time, feedback is mixed. Some staff are excited and eager to contribute. Others are concerned about pace, capacity, and ensuring maintenance and improvement to current programs.

• Now: Explore the website site, sign up for notifications, and share information with others
• May 12: Attend the Town Hall (5:00 PM in person, 6:30 PM virtual)
• May 14 - 19: Complete the Community Survey

• Charter conversion details
• Middle school possibilities
• Facilities needs and potential sites
• Preliminary instructional model for middle school
• May 14 - 19 Community survey
• Opportunities for community involvement

• Measure community interest, family commitments, and potential enrollment
• Gather ideas and community support

In a small TK–6 district with limited resources, opening a middle school is a major undertaking—but it could be possible with strong community support. Our needs will evolve, but strong community involvement will be essential to success.

Key areas where support would be valuable:

• Facilities & Construction: Assist with planning, evaluating needs, upgrades, sourcing portables, etc
• Marketing & Communications: Messaging & promotion 
• Local Expertise / Business Sponsorships: Support and/or sponsor specific needs like clubs, enrichment, labs, technology, electives, etc