Dear Public Montessori Educators,

It has been far too long since my last message. Here at Urban Montessori Charter School, we have been navigating uniquely difficult times. On December 10, 2024, the Alameda County Office of Education Board of Trustees voted 5 to 2 to deny the renewal of our charter petition after 12 years of operation. Having had no indication of concern from any board members outside of positive feedback, we were blindsided and understandably devastated by their decision.

In the months since the determination, we have been focused on the impact of the impending closure of UMCS and have had little time to focus on the Public Montessori Collaborative - California. But not because we are any less committed to our goals! While planning for the significant changes in our personal and professional lives, our vision for Public Montessori in California has been a much-needed anchor.

The loss of our school is heartbreaking, but Public Montessori in Oakland is not lost. UMCS is partnering with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to bring our Montessori program to an OUSD school at risk of closure. We hope to have our MOU finalized and brought to the OUSD board for approval by the end of May. Additionally, OUSD is negotiating a contract with the Public Montessori Institute of Oakland (PMIO) to offer MACTE-accredited primary training to their early childhood teachers across the district beginning in May 2026.

As they say, when one door closes, another opens!

Next year will be a fresh start for all. With it, we will re-engage this forum and continue to build community and collaboration across public Montessori schools in California. Join us at Public Montessori Collaborative - California to support our collective work bringing Montessori teaching and learning to all students and families free of charge!

Wishing you all a smooth close to your school year, and a restful and reflective summer.

Sincerely,

Krishna Feeney

Executive Director, PMIO