SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A local charter school has been placed in “Not in good standing” status.
The San Diego Unified School District Office of Charter Schools tells 10News, “the district is currently conducting an investigation regarding several alleged issues at Iftin Charter School. After the investigation is complete the district will determine next steps, which, if appropriate, may include initiation of a revocation process.”
A memo to Board of Education members described recent allegations as “very concerning.”
“Today our school is in jeopardy and very close to being closed,” said parent Mahamud Yusuf.
Yusuf says he has two kids currently enrolled at Iftin., a third who graduated a few years ago.
"The reason I brought my kids here is because I feel this school is different,” he said. It’s safe and the environment of the school was safe, but not anymore."
Yusuf believes the school has lost it’s students first focus. He says some of the members of Iftin’s school board are to blame.
Mahamud believes the school has lost it's students first focus.
He claims some members of Iftin's school board are to blame.
"The fear we have is we can not work with this board and the power now that they have, and the parents have no right.,” he said.
According to an update memo given to the Board of Education earlier this month, “District staff has continued to receive complaints from concerned Iftin stakeholders, and some of the most recent allegations are very concerning.
Theses stakeholder allegations raise concerns related to harassment of staff and students, discrimination, in enrollment of students based on race and disability, failure to provide services to special education students, retaliation against staff and improper hiring practices.”
According to its website, Iftin Charter School “was founded in 2006 as a K-8 program to serve some of San Diego’s most vulnerable citizens. Over 95 percent of ICS’s student population qualifies for free/reduced price meal and 83 percent are EL students from City Heights area in San Diego.”
Yusuf says he’s thankful the office of Chater Schools is involved and investigating, but believes there’s only one way to solve the problems “What we like is this board to resign,” he said.
In a statement, an attorney for the school said:
“Iftin Charter School is cooperating fully with the District’s investigation, which we hope will lay these allegations to rest. Should there be any findings from the District’s investigation, Iftin’s leadership will promptly move to address any areas of concern. As always, Iftin’s focus remains on maintaining a safe, engaging and transformative learning and teaching environment for all students and staff. Iftin remains confident that the school will emerge strengthened and reinvigorated from this process.”
