(Bakersfield, CA - Tuesday, November 28, 2023) - The Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) is taking legal action against the Kern County Board of Education (KCBE) and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools for their unlawful decision to approve the Central Academy of Arts and Technology (CAAT) charter school. The move comes after Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) and Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) staff recommended denial, citing concerns about discrimination against students with disabilities and English language learners.

According to Ashley de La Rosa, Education Policy Director at DHF, “KCBE and KCSOS are responsible for ensuring all Kern County students, irrespective of the student’s race, language, nationality, or abilities, are provided with a quality and robust education. KCBE and KCSOS both know that the CAAT school cannot provide a sound education to students from low-income families, English Language Learners, and disabled students. KCBE and KCSOS should never have granted the CAAT petition.” Further adding, “DHF is taking legal action because  KCBE and KCSOS should not be allowed to violate federal and state laws and ignore the educational needs of our communities.”

Background: In 2022, CAAT submitted a petition to BCSD for approval, which BCSD denied. CAAT then appealed BCSD’s denial to KCBE. During the appeal process, KCSOS’s staff produced a report citing multiple concerns with CAAT’s education plan and recommended that KCBE deny the CAAT petition. The CAAT petition has also lacked community support and failed to get the requisite number of teacher signatures as state law requires.  At every point in the CAAT petition and appeal process, DHF and impacted community members voiced their opposition, urging elected officials to deny the CAAT petition and CAAT appeal. Despite the overwhelming opposition, KCBE approved the petition in January 2023. 

The DHF, represented by lead attorney Munmeeth Soni of Disability Rights California, contends that KCBE and KCSOS failed in their respective duties to comply with federal and state education laws and approved CAAT’s charter school petition that discriminates against students with disabilities and English language learners. Additionally, KCBE and KCSOS abused their discretion by approving a petition that did not comply with the requirements of the Education Code. 

The DHF argues that KCBE and KCSOS disregarded the desires and recommendations of the local community, local educators, and even its staff by approving a charter school that could harm vulnerable student populations. 

KCBE and KCSOS are tasked with the essential duty of ensuring that our public funds are being used to improve our schools and education system. KCBE and KCSOS have failed in their duties by approving a charter school that will ultimately fail our students. KCBE and KCSOS must be held accountable. DHF trusts that the Court will find that KCBE and KCSOS violated their duties and order them to rescind their approval of the CAAT petition.

Media Contacts

Lucio Rodriguez
Communications Director
Dolores Huerta Foundation
661-837-7183
lrodriguez@doloreshuerta.org

Melody Pomraning
Communications Director
Disability Rights California
916-504-5938
Melody.Pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org

The Dolores Huerta Foundation – The Dolores Huerta Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. Named in honor of civil rights leader and Foundation President Dolores Huerta, our mission is to inspire and mobilize individuals to actively participate in creating positive change. Through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, we work towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.