As of mid-January, only 15 of Escuela Popular\u2019s 30 teachers were fully credentialed, according to the district. But at an April 2 board meeting, legal representatives for the charter school said only four teachers lacked full credentials.<\/p>\n
Still, trustees voted 4-1 to revoke the charter for Escuela Popular\u2019s K-12 school and its Center for Training and Careers, a high school serving students over age 19. Trustee J. Manuel Herrera cast the sole vote against revoking the charter.<\/p>\n Herrera expressed frustration with the disparity of data between the district and school.<\/p>\n \u201cThe district\u2019s management team and the legal team disagreed with the management team and legal team at Escuela Popular all along the way,\u201d he said at the meeting.<\/p>\n Escuela Popular, which opened as a nonprofit in 1986 and a district charter school in 2001,\u00a0provides free child care and resources for housing, food, legal, health and mental health services. More than 99% of its approximately 750 students\u00a0are Hispanic and English learners, and nearly 97% are socioeconomically disadvantaged.<\/p>\n Patricia Reguerin, executive director of Escuela Popular, said closing the charter school isn\u2019t in the best interest of the community and the district didn\u2019t consider where about 350 adult English learners will go if they\u2019re displaced.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re a family learning center,\u201d Reguerin told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight. \u201cWhen my mother founded the school, first she started just teaching (English as a second language) classes to adult students \u2026 so people could fix their documentation. They came with their kids, so they needed child care. They also needed access to different types of services and resources. Our model has always been, \u2018What can we provide the students so that they can continue their educational journey?\u2019 Because we know that education transforms lives.\u201d<\/p>\n A tough decision<\/p>\n Superintendent Glenn Vander Zee said the district is legally responsible to ensure charter schools operate in compliance with their charters and the law.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my five years, I think this has been the most difficult recommendation I\u2019ve had to make,\u201d he said at the meeting.\u00a0\u201cBut even so, after looking at the findings and the law that governs our responsibility as a charter authorizer, I believe the recommendations are sound.\u201d<\/p>\n The decision was also tough for district trustees.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a wreck right now,\u201d Trustee Pattie Cortese said at the meeting before the vote. \u201cI had great hopes we could find a way to work together to keep the schools open, while ensuring that the community is served with appropriately credentialed teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a wreck right now. I had great hopes we could find a way to work together to keep the schools open, while ensuring that the community is served with appropriately credentialed teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n Trustee Pattie Cortese<\/p>\n Parent Vanessa Gutierrez, whose children attend Escuela Popular, obtained her high school diploma at the school with the help of its child care program. She said its teachers work closely with students and truly care about their well-being, and the school provides access to vaccinations, hygiene products, food and clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s something you don\u2019t see at another school,\u201d she told San Jos\u00e9 Spotlight.<\/p>\n San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who represents East San Jose, said Escuela Popular has been a lifeline for immigrants, working class residents and adult learners who face barriers in traditional systems.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many of these students, Escuela Popular isn\u2019t just an option. It\u2019s their pathway to opportunity,\u201d Ortiz said at the meeting.<\/p>\n Contact Lorraine Gabbert at\u00a0lorrainegabbertsjspotlight@gmail.com.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775861188_191_LNM-20250616-SJSPOTLIGHTLOGO-01.jpg\")
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