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.

The first step is to determine whether there is meaningful interest from families and community members. If so, the district would begin developing a comprehensive plan that includes:

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

A 2025–26 launch is not feasible. If sufficient interest is confirmed by mid-2025, we could potentially launch 7th grade in Fall 2026. Expansion to 8th grade could follow in Fall 2027. This is a possible, but ambitious timeline, and we are gathering interest now to inform next steps.

This is still unknown. We are in the early exploratory phase, and no decisions have been made. Program design would be shaped by staff, family, and student input, as well as by available staffing and resources.

A location has not been selected. Site decisions would depend on expressed interest, facility readiness, and logistical feasibility.

Yes. If we move forward, we aim to communicate clearly with families before local middle school enrollment deadlines.

Our goal is at least 60 students for the first 7th grade cohort. This threshold allows for a viable and well-supported launch.

Beginning with 7th grade is the most likely model. Starting with one grade allows us to launch thoughtfully and adapt as needed.

No. As a district-authorized charter program, BVUSD governs its own expansion process. As long as we meet state and legal requirements, no external district can block our decisions.

That has not been determined. Facility use would depend on interest and space availability. We will evaluate all campuses and welcome input as we plan.

No schedule has been finalized. If the program proceeds, the schedule will be designed to meet the needs of grades 7–8 while aligning with our current school operations where feasible.

Yes. Staffing, facilities, and funding are closely tied to enrollment. Our preliminary target is grade-level cohorts of 60 students to support a well-rounded program.

We do not know at this time. The model may involve shared leadership, with administrative support adjusted as the program grows.

Enrollment will follow state and charter guidelines. Students currently enrolled in BVUSD and those residing within district boundaries will have priority. Employee children and siblings of enrolled students also receive preference.

Students living within BVUSD boundaries would still receive enrollment priority, even if they are not currently attending a BVUSD school.

We are currently gauging interest. A minimum of approximately 60 confirmed 7th grade students would be needed to ensure a viable program. Larger numbers could allow for a broader range of offerings, but could impact existing programs. We’re interested in striking the right balance. 

That would be a great challenge to have. If there is high demand, we could explore possibilities to scale the program and adjust staffing and space accordingly.

Approximately 115 students.

This is still under exploration. In a smaller setting, we may be able to offer more flexible, student-centered grouping. Input from educators and families will help guide this conversation.

If the middle school moves forward, we anticipate offering a small selection of electives based on student interest and staffing. While options would likely be more limited than those in larger middle schools, our goal is to provide meaningful experiences within the scope of a small program.

Yes. While curriculum must be approved by the Board of Trustees, the middle school would not be required to use the same programs as the elementary grades. Charter status offers flexibility, and if the plan proceeds, curriculum selection would be a collaborative and deliberate process.

Spanish is one of several electives under consideration. Like other offerings, its availability would depend on interest, enrollment, funding, and staffing.

Any expansion to include 7th and 8th grade at BVUSD would likely operate on a smaller scale, with fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger, traditional middle school. While that may not appeal to every family, smaller schools can offer other benefits like: more personalized learning, closer student-teacher relationships, and an emphasis on whole-child development -  all within the context of an already strong school community.

We’re exploring both school-based teams and partnerships with local leagues. Final offerings will depend on student interest and staffing.

Possibly. While traditional aftercare is less common for middle schoolers, we are exploring enrichment programs, clubs, and supervised after-school activities based on interest and capacity.

The following overview was shared during the Town Hall meeitngs:

• 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

All content has since been captured in the FAQs on this page. 

The survey provides us a sense of interest, engagement, and comittment to support. This is a first step in decing what may come next. Specifically, the survey was designed to:

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

Feedback is mixed. Some staff are excited about the potential and interested in contributing to expansion efforts. Others have expressed concerns about the pace of the conversation, staff capacity, and the importance of ensuring any new initiatives do not detract from existing programs. We are committed to listening closely and taking the time to do this right, if we proceed.

This is a possibility. We would welcome parent leadership and could explore establishing a middle school advisory group or PTO if the program moves forward.

Your input and interest are essential. Please complete our survey, share your questions and ideas, offer your support (volunteering, planning, outreach), and help us determine whether this is a good fit for our community.

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