Introduction to the Dispute
About 50 speakers signed up to make their case to the Santa Ana Unified School District on why it should reconsider potentially bankrupting a performing arts school that’s facing a hefty fee to the district.
Students, parents and supporters of the Orange County School of the Arts (OSHA) gathered Tuesday at the district’s board meeting to protest its decision to shut down the school following a financial dispute.
The Concerns of the Students and Parents
“No student should have to worry about losing access to an education that inspires them,” one student said during public comment.
Frustrated students, parents and teachers spoke out against the district’s financial demands of their Charter school – which has now become a heated legal battle.
The Financial Dispute
“Even though we had that language in the charter for two charter renewal cycles, they all of a sudden dropped a surprise $20 million invoice in our lap and it wasn’t representing what they promised,” alleged Teren Shaffer, OSHA President and CEO.
Ron Hacker, the district’s Chief Business Official, said otherwise and claimed OSHA was well aware of its obligation to pay its fair share for district-wide special education expenses.
“It is our board’s fiduciary responsibility to make sure that if equitable contributions are due to us, that we collect them,” he said. “Anything else is a gift of public funds.”
The Legal Battle
The school sued the district and has been in a years-long legal battle with it. A judge recently ruled in favor of the district to have OSHA make their equitable contributions – something the school claims would put it out of business.
“I’ve seen their books and that’s just not true,” Hacker said. “They have a healthy fund balance, so this is not hurting them. They’re the ones that brought this litigation. They’re the ones that can stop it.”
The Future of OSHA
OSHA is now hoping to get back into mediation with the district to settle on an amount it finds reasonable. It’s unclear when that will be.
Conclusion
The dispute between the Santa Ana Unified School District and the Orange County School of the Arts has been ongoing for years, with both sides presenting different views on the financial obligations of the charter school. The future of OSHA remains uncertain, and it is hoped that a resolution can be reached through mediation.
FAQs
- What is the dispute between the Santa Ana Unified School District and the Orange County School of the Arts about?
The dispute is about the financial obligations of the charter school, with the district claiming that OSHA owes $20 million in equitable contributions for district-wide special education expenses. - How long has the dispute been going on?
The dispute has been ongoing for years, with the school suing the district and a judge recently ruling in favor of the district. - What is the potential outcome for OSHA?
If OSHA is required to pay the full amount of equitable contributions, it claims that it will be put out of business. - Is there a possibility of a resolution through mediation?
Yes, OSHA is hoping to get back into mediation with the district to settle on an amount it finds reasonable.
