The San Antonio Independent School District has made the significant decision to terminate its partnership with the School Innovation Collaborative (S-I-C), which has been managing four schools under its umbrella. This action follows a thorough investigation into serious allegations that the nonprofit organization has been improperly diverting SAISD employees to support public and charter schools located outside of the district, violating the terms of their contract. This situation has raised substantial concerns regarding compliance and ethical practices within educational partnerships.
In a joint announcement released on Wednesday, both the district and S-I-C confirmed their mutual decision to end the collaboration. The statement emphasized that this course of action serves the best interests of both parties, indicating a desire to pursue their individual goals and objectives moving forward.
“The San Antonio ISD and School Innovation Collaborative have determined that it is in the best interest of both parties to pursue their independent interests,” the joint statement articulated. “In light of this shared agreement, S-I-C and SAISD intend to mutually terminate the partnership agreement, pending board approval.” This statement underscores the necessity for both organizations to reassess their strategic directions amidst the ongoing investigation.
Representatives from S-I-C have not provided any further comments or clarifications regarding the serious allegations made against them as of Wednesday. This lack of response raises questions about accountability and transparency in their operations, which are essential in maintaining trust within the educational community.
Superintendent Jaime Aquino addressed parents regarding the ongoing investigation in a letter sent on Monday. This communication followed a special board meeting held on Saturday, during which trustees were presented with what was described as “compelling information” related to the complaints lodged against S-I-C, an organization that operates under the 1882 Charter School framework. His proactive approach aims to keep parents informed about developments that directly affect their children’s education.
Partnerships like the one established with S-I-C are authorized under SB 1882, legislation designed to encourage districts to collaborate with external entities for enhanced funding and greater operational autonomy. Typically, these arrangements see the district relinquishing nearly complete control over staffing, curriculum choices, and the daily management of the schools involved. This model is intended to drive improvements in educational outcomes.
For schools that consistently underperform, such partnerships serve as an alternative strategy to avert state intervention or the potential closure of the school. The implications of such partnerships are significant, as they can directly impact the quality of education provided to students.
The S-I-C network comprises several schools, including Bowden Academy, Lamar Elementary School, Gates Elementary School, and Cameron Elementary School, all located in Central and East San Antonio. The SAISD employees implicated in the allegations were contracted to serve the district and its students, creating a challenging situation for all parties involved.
The ongoing investigation has reportedly led to the unexpected resignations of the SAISD employees who were allegedly involved in supporting out-of-area institutions affiliated with S-I-C, as noted in the communication from Superintendent Aquino. This development signifies the seriousness of the allegations and the potential ramifications for those involved.
Since the initiation of the investigation, SAISD has received additional allegations suggesting that S-I-C has not adhered to the accountability requirements set forth by the Texas Education Agency, among other deficiencies. Such claims, if proven true, could have far-reaching consequences for the charter organization and its operational legitimacy.
As of now, the Texas Education Agency has not responded to requests for comments regarding these serious allegations, leaving many in the community seeking clarity on the situation.
The district is scheduled to conduct a special board meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the District Administration Building, located at 514 W. Quincy St. This meeting aims to facilitate a public hearing where board members will deliberate on the potential termination of the partnership with S-I-C. Community participation in this process is crucial for transparency.
Additionally, S-I-C will hold its own board meeting on Friday at 6:30 a.m. at 6660 First Park Ten Blvd. It is essential for stakeholders from both organizations to engage in open discussions about the future of their partnership and the educational landscape.
Should the partnership not be terminated, the contract between SAISD and the charter organization is set to remain in effect until June 2029. However, termination can only occur under specific conditions, including mutual agreement, as outlined in the contract documentation.
Details regarding the specific schools to which the charter partner is accused of diverting staff, as well as the positions of the employees involved, remain unclear at this time. This ambiguity adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
In addition to its collaborations with SAISD, S-I-C also manages a “rural excellence network” in South Texas, indicating its broader scope of influence across various educational settings.
There is also a related initiative called the Rural Schools Innovation Zone, which represents a partnership among three school districts: Brooks County Independent School District, Freer Independent School District, and Premont Independent School District. According to the partnership’s website, this model aims to establish a sustainable collaborative beginning with three participating high schools and one junior high school, with the potential for expansion over time.
In his letter, Superintendent Aquino reassured parents that the district is prepared to step in and manage the continued operations of the four network schools if the board of trustees decides to terminate the partnership with S-I-C. He emphasized that there will be no adverse effects on the educational programming and services provided to the four schools in question, underscoring the district’s commitment to its students.
“We remain focused on our students, and we welcome collaboration with the school community to determine the best path to move forward,” he stated. “We are united in our focus to ensure that all students receive what they need, when they need it, and that the funds allocated for our students are, in fact, devoted to our students.” This statement reflects a strong commitment to student welfare and educational integrity.
Both board meetings will be streamed live to accommodate community members who are unable to attend in person, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to stay informed and engaged in this critical discussion.
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