It’s official: Morgan Hill will have another charter school in
its midst starting Sept. 6.
It’s official: Morgan Hill will have another charter school in its midst starting Sept. 6.
Silicon Valley Flex Academy acquired a temporary use permit from the city of Morgan Hill for its fall semester, located at Community Church, 305 West Main St.
“Although our site is located at a church, it is in no way religious,” said Executive Director Mark Kushner.
All religious symbols will be removed during the day, including pews. School will be held in the church auditorium and multi-purpose room.
At the Aug. 9 school board meeting, Superintendent Wes Smith voiced concerned over the possible traffic congestion because of Flex’s close proximity to P.A Walsh Elementary School. He said traffic was already an issue in that location and with Flex joining in on such close quarters, it would only add to the existing problem.
“We’ve all been meeting with staff, city and law enforcement and have maintained our objection over the temporary permit,” he said.
Bonnie Tognazzini, deputy superintendent, said at the meeting that law enforcement would ticket for double parking.
“I can say that Flex has worked closely with the city to ensure that all of the traffic impact, if any, is minimized,” Kushner said . “In fact, we believe that we have come up with a better traffic flow plan than P.A. Walsh.”
The fall semester will end in December, when Flex hopes to move to its permanent location in Cochrane Plaza. Kushner said they are still waiting on appropriate permits, which could take a couple of months, yet appear to have the support of the city.
Flex has more than 200 students who are currently enrolled and is still accepting applications for 6th through 12th graders. Students do not need to live in the Morgan Hill district to attend.
Flex will offer more than 130 electives, including Chinese, video-game design and marketing. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also available.
Flex is holding a Picnic Potluck Aug. 19 at the Community Park on Edmundson Avenue. Their next informational meeting is 4 to 8 p.m Tuesday, at Naomi’s Coffee and Tea.
