- AV Daily News Staff
Keppel Board postponed item concerning potential closure of Keppel Academy. LASD clears board room in order for the meeting to continue.
Pearblossom, CA.-Facing declining student enrollment, Keppel Union School District’s education board was going to make a decision to close Keppel Academy.
Keppel Union School District is not the only educational system feeling the economic squeeze by the state budget .
Many or all School districts across the United States received nearly or over $2 billion in additional funding in response to the pandemic a one time funding. During the days that parents opted to not send their kids to school, will have an impact in the revenue of funding for the next school year. But that was their way of protesting and showing to the board they care for Keppel Academy.
Superintendent has said during the town hall meetings, that no employee will be layoff by the closure. They will maintain their jobs, the employees and students will be relocated to other schools within the district
President Nava called for a recess, due to the audience being disruptive. As she was being escorted by LASD Deputy Cromin to another room. According to her, she was being attacked and assaulted, kicked, pushed and scratched. By some community members. Later was clarified by LASD Deputy Cromin of the incident he witnessed.
Board members Rodriguez ,Cullors and Balante asked at tonight's meeting, if they have other options.
Superintendent responded, the other option will be to layoff and reduce staff.
She wants to maintain the employees, as stated above they will relocated.
Board member Cullors, asked how did she came up with decision of the closure of the Keppel Academy. Superintendent Priya responded, that she has met and communicated with her cabinet team, LACOE, Auditors, and Consultants and they are all in agreement of the closure of the Keppel Academy.
Priya also mention to the board that previous administration had discussed the plans of the future of Keppel Academy due to low enrollment.
Many parents and students are concerned that their voices had not been heard. And parents believe the school district should do more to save the Keppel Academy.
Board member Cullors asked Superintendent Priaya to bring to the board other options.
Nava asked about AVID, and mention that the district has neglected to accommodated other low performing students with the AVID program. And that the district has not fair to all the students in accepting them into the AVID program.
During the meeting parents and students requested the board take more time to reconsider the plan.
Dr. Solomon DeFrancis
Director of Student Support Services and Barbara Curtis . Explained to the patents and community during a public forum that Keppel School District, Los Angeles County Board of Education ( LACOE)) and the State had seen a declining enrollment from the prior five years and they looked and projected that the next following five years that declining will continue.
All five board members agreed to table the item, and asked for more information. At this moment Keppel Academy remains open
Click on the link to watch the meeting