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Potential funding reductions for charter schools that offer non-classroom-based instruction have been a threat because SB 740, enacted in 2001, states that funding determinations must be 70% that of regular schools unless the State Board of Education (SBE) determines that a greater or lesser percentage is appropriate for a particular charter school. To gain approval for 100% funding, the school must show that it has met certain criteria, producing evidence to indicate that expenditures are in line with the instructional needs of the school. CAVA schools were found to be in line with expectations, and so were granted 100% funding for the next calendar year. There are many issues that must be attended to when establishing new schools. A primary concern is formulating suitable legislation to permit the new entities to grow and function as they should.
California Virtual Academies (CAVA)
As the 2005–2006 school year drew to a close, plans were already being made for the new year ahead. A phone interview with Katrina Outfleet, CAVA’s Academic Administrator, on June 28, 2006, reviewed changes that had occurred since the study took place and revealed some anticipated plans for the near future. The following is a summary of that interview.
This last year closed with six CAVA schools in operation, five independent (@ Jamestown, Kern, San Diego, San Mateo, and Sonoma) and one dependent (@ Kings). After 4 years of operation, school enrollments now combine to a total of approximately 3,500 students. CAVA has sustained a growth rate that has doubled each year. A charter application for an additional school (CAVA@Sutter, in the Sacramento area) has been granted by the state and is scheduled to open on July 1, 2006 with an estimated enrollment of 150 students.