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News and views from a private school perspective
CAPSO
Monthly E-Mailer
California Association of Private School Organizations
| | The Voice of Private Education in California | |
Mission Statement
The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) is the voice of K-12 private education in California. Its primary mission is to preserve the independence of California’s private schools and to uphold parental choice in education. CAPSO, independently and in collaboration with other community and governmental institutions, is an advocate, catalyst, and creative leader for strengthening and advancing K-12 private education in California. CAPSO’s mission is based on the belief that a healthy, pluralistic society depends upon educational options, parental choice, and dialogue and collaboration between educational entities.
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In This Issue...
CAPSO Celebrates 2025 CA Green Ribbon Private School Awardees!
The FCMAT Report and Its Potential Impact on Private Schools in CA
Legislative Update: CAPSO Lobbying and Advocacy for Private Schools
Title Funds: Tension Between CA & the Administration
Understanding the Call to "Use Title I Flexibility" for School Choice
It's Time: The US Supreme Court Hears St. Isadore Catholic Charter Case
PD Plan for Schools Attending the CapsPD Private School Conference
Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School
No Cost Private School PD Available
Legislative Call to Action
What I've Been Reading
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Congratulations to CA Green Ribbon Private Schools!
The California Green Ribbon School designation recognizes exemplary practices and achievements in three “Pillar” areas: resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. By virtue of receiving a Green Ribbon School status, awarded schools will be recognized throughout the state and nation as leaders and innovators in environmental stewardship and education.
Please join CAPSO in celebrating...
St. Francis High School (Mountain View), Green Achiever, 2025 CA Green Ribbon School
This designation means that the State of California will nominate St. Francis High School for recognition as a National Green Ribbon School from the United States Department of Education. Only one private school per state is accorded this prestigious recognition each year. Congratulations to the Lancer community!
Please join CAPSO in celebrating...
Lycée Français de San Francisco (San Francisco)
Gold Level, 2025 CA Green Ribbon School
Heritage Oak Private Education (Yorba Linda)
Silver Level, 2025 CA Green Ribbon School
Achieving Silver and Gold status requires leadership, dedication, and commitment. Congratulations to both school communities!
Would you be interested in pursuing Green Ribbon School status?
You can learn more about the application process at the bottom of this E-Mailer.
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The FCMAT Report and Its Potential Impact on Private Schools in California
The Childhood Sexual Assault: Fiscal Implications for California Public Agencies report, released by FCMAT in January 2025, was mandated by Senate Bill 153 (2024). It responds to the financial challenges public agencies face due to the extended statute of limitations under Assembly Bill 218 (2019), which significantly increased childhood sexual assault claims. The report examines the impact on local educational agencies, explores funding solutions for related legal costs, and recommends preventive strategies to protect students and strengthen school response.
As expected, multiple pieces of California legislation this year seek to close gaps and implement safeguards for student safety, as recommended by the report. Given the report's inclusion of private schools in its findings and recommendations, private schools are experiencing an unprecedented degree of inclusion in proposed legislative regulations.
CAPSO is diligently working to engage legislators to raise awareness about current student safety practices in CAPSO member schools and advocate for clear delineations in regulatory authority between public and private schools.
This is terrain that must be approached strategically and thoughtfully. Student safety must be at the forefront of all school system priorities, yet private schools must retain the freedoms and protections afforded to them as private entities and in accordance with the First Amendment.
CAPSO will update membership on legislative developments as they become available. Meanwhile, member organization leaders are encouraged to read the FCMAT Report to anticipate forthcoming priorities for codifying the student safety practices that have been standard in our private school systems.
Read the FCMAT Report Here
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Legislative Update: CAPSO Lobbying and Advocacy for Private Schools
The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) continues to play a leading role in advocating for the interests of private schools across the state. This legislative session, CAPSO is actively monitoring nearly 60 bills with potential implications for private education.
Through unified member engagement and proactive lobbying, CAPSO has already succeeded in preventing the inclusion of private schools in a significant piece of legislation. This outcome highlights the power of coordinated advocacy and the importance of consensus within the private school community.
CAPSO's efforts extend beyond monitoring. CAPSO holds ongoing meetings with legislators, submits formal position letters as needed, and forms strategic partnerships with aligned organizations. By staying deeply engaged at every stage of the legislative process, CAPSO ensures that private school perspectives are heard and respected in Sacramento.
A robust legislative roundup will be forthcoming in the June E-Mailer. Meanwhile, members are encouraged to view CAPSO's real-time legislation tracker, offering up-to-date information on bills relevant to private education. The tracker can be accessed through the link below.
Visit the CAPSO Legislation Tracker here
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Title Funds: Tension Between CA & the Administration
California has formally refused a Trump administration directive requiring states to certify that all school districts have ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The federal order, tied to potential cuts in education funding, claims DEI efforts violate civil rights laws by promoting race-based discrimination. In response, the California Department of Education defended DEI as legal under both state and federal law, and criticized the federal mandate as vague and procedurally improper.
Despite threats to billions in funding, California joins several other states in rejecting the order. State officials reaffirmed their commitment to educational equity, arguing that federal overreach undermines established legal processes and distracts from the mission of supporting all students.
While the majority of Private schools in California do not receive state or federal funding, many private schools participate in programs under ESSA/ESEA. Should the federal government proceed with funding cuts to California as indicated in the certification letter, it is reasonable to anticipate that services to private schools under ESSA/ESEA will be impacted.
UPDATE: As of April 24, 2025, federal courts have halted enforcement of the DEI Guidance Letter and Certification Requirement. CAPSO will keep members updated as this situation continues to develop.
Read about the Federal Directive: LA Times
Read the Certification Letter from the US Department of Education
Read the Response from the CA. Dept. of Education
Read about the Federal Court Halt to Enforcement: Reuters
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Understanding the Call to "Use Title I Flexibility" for School Choice
The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging states and districts to utilize existing Title I flexibilities to expand school choice options for low-income students. In guidance issued on March 31, 2025, the department highlighted provisions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including Section 1003A and Title I, Part A, that allow for the allocation of funds toward direct student services. These services can encompass advanced coursework, career and technical education, tutoring, and dual enrollment opportunities.
This suggestion is limited in scope and does not imply categorical options for families to pursue private education. Instead, the recommendation is to expand the menu of available education options for students in Title I districts by leveraging expanded educational services and opportunities. Currently, Ohio is leading the way in exploring this option as the singular state currently expanding choice under Title I. Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, shared “In being the only state to use this federal flexibility, we have connected these funds that match our statewide priorities with the unique needs of students and schools. Whether it’s credit recovery programs, advanced coursework, or expanding career pathways, the goal is the same for every Ohio student – to meet their full potential.”
Read the Full Article Here: K12 Drive
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It's Time: The US Supreme Court Hears St. Isadore Catholic Charter Case
CAPSO has shared updates on this issue in several previous E-Mailers. Still, we are providing this summary again as the U.S. Supreme Court has now begun hearing Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. The matter concerns the legality of religiously affiliated charter schools in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court (June 2024) ruled that a proposed Virtual Catholic Charter School, St. Isidore of Seville, is unconstitutional. The state's highest court emphasized concerns about the violation of the state constitution's prohibition against using public funds for religious purposes, due in large part to the proposed model, wherein the school would be funded with public dollars as a charter school but controlled by the two Catholic dioceses of the state. The court's verdict affirms the separation of church and state and sets a landmark precedent in Oklahoma's educational system that is predicted to impact the regulation and funding of charter schools with religious affiliations moving forward.
On January 24, 2025, the US Supreme Court agreed to weigh in and hear both cases, which started this month.
A ruling isn't expected until July; however, early indications are being tracked with great interest as advocates on all sides of the issue are eager to understand how this may impact the future landscape of education in the United States.
Read a Case Update Article: ScotusBlog
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PD Plan Template for Schools Attending the CapsPD Private School Conference
CAPSO offers a template to assist private schools in fulfilling meaningful consultation requirements when seeking Title funds to support attendance at the annual CapsPD conference.
This adaptable template can be modified by schools for any conference, workshop, or professional development activity. This tool does not guarantee approval; it should be used as part of meaningful consultation.
Access the PD Plan Template for CapsPD Conference Attendance
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Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School!
Did you know that private schools that participate in the Green Ribbon School process have the opportunity to be recognized at both the State and National level?
The Green Ribbon School process is an opportunity to showcase efforts and be recognized for progress towards sustainability across three pillars:
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Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs;
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Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
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Pillar III: Provide effective environmental and sustainability education
Each June, the California Department of Education launches the California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) application process, inviting public and private schools, districts, and county offices of education to showcase their achievements in sustainability. Participating schools have the opportunity to demonstrate achievement and earn points in pillar categories recognized in one of four tiered levels:
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Bronze Level (Entry Level Commitment): 55-64.9%
- Silver Level (Mid Integration): 65-74.9%
- Gold Level (Full Integration): 75% or better
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Green Achiever: Exemplary Achievement with Full Integration - Green achievers are nominated for Federal recognition in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Program (ED-GRS).
Schools don't need to wait to apply until they have met full integration. Schools that apply will be supported with mentorship and resources, and schools with a 55%+ will be recognized with Bronze achievement by the California Department of Education!
Ready to Learn More?
California Green Ribbon Schools Achievers and Applicants Network: The CA Green Ribbon School Achiever and Applicant Network meets quarterly and aims to unite past, current, and future CA Green Ribbon Schools applicants dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and programs within their school communities. The network gives participants the chance to network with each other to inspire and share best practices.
Upcoming Meeting Dates for the 2024-25 School Year:
The application opens in June and schools are encouraged to begin learning about the application process starting in January. A comprehensive toolkit is available. Use the link below to learn more!
Green Ribbon School Toolkit and Resources
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No Cost Private School PD Available
The California Department of Education receives funds through Title II, Part A Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators.
The website, https://www.capspdnow.com, offers over 1000 no-cost courses available to schools and teachers in an on-demand format. Private school teachers and administrators can join the CaPSPD email distribution list to receive notifications about upcoming development opportunities by sending a blank email to join-private-school-professional-development@mlist.cde.ca.gov
Learn More About CaPSPDNow
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Legislative Call to Action | | | |
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Raise Your Voice with a Letter of Support for ECCA,
The Education Choice for Children Act
WHAT: Contact your senators and your representative to tell them to include the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) in the reconciliation bill.
WHY: School choice is on the move in many of the states, and now Congress is considering legislation that would provide choice in every state in the union.
The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) would create a federal tax credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations. Those donated funds would be available for private school scholarships in all 50 states.
This very moment, Congress is considering whether to include this historic legislation in the major "reconciliation" bill that is not subject to a Senate filibuster and therefore able to pass with a simple majority.
Now is the time to contact your senators and your representative to tell them to include the ECCA in the reconciliation bill. Click the "Take Action" link below to visit CAPE's Legislative Action Center and contact your members of Congress.
WHEN: Now, time sensitive
HOW: Click here to contact your representatives via online form
[Source: Council for American Private Education (CAPE) Legislative Action Page]
Want to Learn More about ECCA? Resources below.
https://investineducation.org/school-choice/
https://www.mayerbrown.com/budgetreconciliationprimer...
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/...
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What I've Been Reading... | | | |
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Questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact us!
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Effective July 1, 2024 CAPSO has a new mailing address and phone number:
CAPSO
PO Box 1077
Novato, CA 94948
(415) 295-6333
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