DATE: May 18, 1999
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Charter School for Foster Kids at the San Pasqual Academy

SUMMARY: Reference
In the fall of 1998, the County made an option payment for the San Pasqual Academy for the purpose of analyzing this site to determine its feasibility as a future juvenile detention facility. After obtaining additional information and taking a tour of the site, Supervisors Horn and Jacob brought forward a Board letter on April 20, 1999 to reconsider the use of the San Pasqual Academy as a detention facility. Among other actions, the Board directed the Chief Administrative Officer to commence an examination of feasible alternatives for the County's use of the San Pasqual property that would be consistent with the uses allowed under the existing Major Use Permit.

Now, the opportunity exists for the County to work with schools, non-profits, C.A.P.F. and the private sector to utilize the San Pasqual Academy for a Charter School to serve foster kids. This Board letter would direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of a Charter School for foster kids at the San Pasqual Academy, and report back to the Board within 60 days.

Recommendation
VICE-CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB AND SUPERVISOR GREG COX
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of a Charter School for foster kids at the San Pasqual Academy, and report back to the Board within 60 days.

Fiscal Impact:
If approved, this request will result in no additional costs or staff years.

BACKGROUND
In the fall of 1998, the County made an option payment for the San Pasqual Academy for the purpose of analyzing this site to determine its feasibility as a future juvenile detention facility. After obtaining additional information and taking a tour of the site, Supervisors Horn and Jacob brought forward a Board letter on April 20, 1999 to reconsider the use of the San Pasqual Academy as a detention facility. Among other actions, the Board directed the Chief Administrative Officer to commence an examination of feasible alternatives for the County's use of the San Pasqual property that would be consistent with the uses allowed under the existing Major Use Permit.

Prior to closing its doors, the San Pasqual Academy was a private boarding school which served over 200 students. Although the Seventh Day Adventist Church could not sustain the operational costs of the school, the concept and location of the boarding school was appropriate for the San Pasqual Valley.

The County's foster care program is facing a critical need for placement of neglected and abused kids who are wards of the County. Now, the opportunity exists for the County to work with schools, non-profits, C.A.P.F. and the private sector to utilize the San Pasqual Academy for a Charter School to serve foster kids. Not only would additional space be provided to house foster kids, but an educational institution could be created to cultivate and strengthen their young minds.

The unique opportunity for a charter school exists because the operational costs could be covered by utilizing funding that already exists. In addition to the County's approximately $5,400 contribution per foster child, the state would contribute at least $4,500 per child based on the Average Daily Attendance school subsidy.

This Board letter would direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of a Charter School for foster kids at the San Pasqual Academy, and report back to the Board within 60 days. We urge your support for this proposal.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Vice-Chairwoman

GREG COX
Supervisor, First District