Since Silicon Valley Flex Academy announced it was closing July 26, Morgan Hill Unified School District staff has enrolled more than 100 new students from the defunct charter school at its secondary campuses, according to an Aug. 5 press release.
MHUSD entertained 50 Flex families at its Aug. 4 open house event at Ann Sobrato High School to help answer questions about transferring their students into one of the district’s secondary schools. The meeting was held in response to SV Flex Academy’s sudden decision to close its doors before this coming school year, according to MHUSD staff.
“It’s a hardship on both parents and students,” Superintendent Steve Betando said. “We are doing everything we can to try and make this a seamless transition for these students. They remain our first priority.”
MHUSD had counselors, principals, special education staff, transportation and food services staff as well as enrollment specialists on site to help answer questions and listen to parent concerns.
“Our schools are currently running close to full capacity, and Britton is overflowing,” Betando said. “Priority number one for us are students who currently reside inside our district boundaries and getting them placed before the August 16 start date.”
He added: “Not all students will get placed at their school of choice, but we are making our best effort to get them to the school that will be the best fit for their needs.”
MHUSD staff has been trying to hire more teachers and find space at all of its secondary schools to accommodate Flex students, according to the district’s press release. District high schools are Sobrato, Live Oak and Central; middle schools are Britton and Martin Murphy; and K-8 schools are San Martin/Gwinn and Jackson Academy of Math and Music.
“All necessary personnel at the district level and school sites have rolled up their sleeves to find ways to help these students,” Betando said. “I think it speaks volumes to the dedication of our staff to all children of our community.”
