Senator introduced bill that would increase funding for charter
schools serving at-risk students
Staff Report
Gilroy – At-risk students attending charter schools may receive an extra helping of state funding, if legislative written by a local politician passes.
On Friday, state Sen. Elaine Alquist (D-San Jose) introduced Senate Bill 1170, which aims to curb Santa Clara County’s high school drop-out problem.
“I was alarmed to learn that thousands of at-risk youth in Santa Clara County are going without programs, services or access to a basic education,” Alquist said. “My work with People Acting in Community Together has resulted in SB 1170 which will give our communities the opportunity to reach these children left behind by traditional schools. I’m not willing to give up on these kids and want to get them into a school environment that can meet their needs.”
Under SB 1170 charter schools serving at-risk youth would qualify for $11,000 per student instead of the average $7,000-per-pupil funding schools receive on average.
El Portal Leadership Academy Charter High School, is the only school in Gilroy that would be effected by the legislation.
El Portal Principal Noemi Garcia Reyes did not return calls to the Dispatch.
