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TIDE Academy in Menlo Park is at risk of closing, with the Sequoia Union High School District’s board planning to make a decision by the end of February. The move comes as the district grapples with a structural deficit and declining enrollment.
During a Nov. 12 school board meeting, trustees Mary Beth Thompson and Richard Ginn, on behalf of a board committee, asked Superintendent Crystal Leach to develop a plan to consider closing the school, along with a process outlining the legal steps that would be required. Leach intends to bring her plan to the board for discussion at a Dec. 10 meeting.
Thompson and Ginn are part of a committee that is reviewing enrollment, program offerings and the district’s long-term fiscal health — an effort to better understand Sequoia’s allocation of resources. The committee found that TIDE Academy, as a small school in the district, “requires a disproportionate amount of resources to operate,” according to Thompson.
“Over time, that means students will have fewer classes, electives and program options that we can offer,” Thompson said.
TIDE Academy opened in 2019 with a unique approach to offering STEAM-focused programs with smaller class sizes. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The school celebrated its third graduating class in June, with 64 students receiving their diplomas.
Last school year, TIDE Academy had 212 students — making up 2% of the district’s total enrollment of 9,505 students, according to state data. In contrast, the district’s four main high schools range from 1,660 students at Woodside High to 2,360 students at Carlmont High.
Thompson recommended that Leach’s plan identify what data should be considered and how the district will communicate with students, families and staff, as well as how the community will be involved in the process.
She acknowledged that “no one on the board wants to close a school,” adding that the trustees understand how this would affect the community.
“At the same time, we have a duty to look honestly at our overall financial picture, including our structural deficit and the costs of operating very small schools and ask whether we are creating the best possibility or opportunities for all of our students, including those currently at TIDE,” Thompson said.
TIDE Academy Principal Simone Rick-Kennel sent an email to the TIDE staff after the board meeting, clarifying that “no decision has been made” to close the school. According to Rick-Kennel, staff had the opportunity to speak with Leach on Nov. 13 to share their questions and concerns.
“Last night we heard from staff members that they plan to engage in the process and ensure the board hears from them through this decision making process,” said Rick-Kennel to this news organization.
In her email to staff, she explained that this process has nothing to do with the quality of the school’s commitment to teaching, recruitment of students, unique school culture, dual enrollment and core programs.
“I am on this journey with you, grappling with the considerations, and how the process will unfold,” she wrote. “At this time all day-to-day operations, classes, and programs at TIDE continue as usual. Our focus remains on providing a high-quality educational experience for your students and supporting their success.”
After the board meeting, TIDE parents launched a petition opposing a potential shutdown. As of Nov. 14, the petition had gained 468 signatures.
“We are puzzled that this announcement came before any community discussions or sharing of data with the school families and graduates from TIDE,” said Andromeda Garcelon, president of the TIDE Education Foundation.
According to Garcelon, the school had received more interest in enrolling for the next school year than they had in the previous years.
“The investment to create a small school, in a district filled with large schools, was an intentional move by this same board to help accommodate those who need a smaller environment, as well as addressing the need for STEAM focus,” she added.
A public community meeting with Leach will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 6-7 p.m. in the TIDE Academy cafeteria. The campus is located at 150 Jefferson Dr. in Menlo Park.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the school administrator’s response along with parent input on the district’s process.
