As first reported by the Los Angeles Times, the future of Media Arts Academy/High School for Recording Arts is threatened by a dispute with the sponsoring Centinela Valley Union High School District.

Dream Deferred: District tries to shut down school

Unfortunately, the dream of providing emotional, economic, and educational resources our youth deserve is in danger through a combination of human error and systematic malcontent. I have just been notified that the Centinela Valley Union High School District is attempting to shut down the Media Arts Academy (High School for Recording Arts). They are pulling our charter license due to clerical errors made by the founders of the school.

They are NOT considering shut down for any other reason; this clerical error can easily be fixed with the consent of the District.

Evidence of Success

M.A.A.C. has a maximum of classroom ratios of 25 to 1 and a full recording studio for students to learn and express themselves with. M.A.A.C. has an A-G requirement equipped with classes catered to student needs, preparing them for higher education and higher forms of expression. M.A.A.C. focuses on project based learning, with instructors of each class creating interdisciplinary curriculum that relates subject content to subject content. M.A.A.C. is open to the public and is an educational and nurturing site open to youth from all communities throughout the city; a place where they can grow in a supportive environment. M.A.A.C. will be a hub for many of the programs we have created throughout the city, providing recording, production, printing, and distribution resources and education for community groups who do not have access to studios or industry. M.A.A.C. is establishing partnership with individuals and entertainment companies to provide internships to youth so they may obtain real world experience that compliments the words. M.A.A.C. has establish athletic partnership to create a holistic physical educational program that includes basketball training from former All-American players, as well as yoga and dance. M.A.A.C. is creating partnerships where students will receive FREE dinner that accompany their tutoring programs and recording arts program after school, providing a community NEED!!! Even though SIXTY-PERCENT of the school’s enrollment are attendance problems from other schools, M.A.A.C. has a 92% attendance rate!!!

ACTIONS OF SUPPORT

1. Call to Support the School, Community Driven Education, and the hundreds of students served by the Media Arts Academy Centinela (M.A.A.C.). STOP THE TREND OF FIRING AND FORECLOSING THOSE WHO WORK WITH OUR FUTURE Identify yourself as parent, student, MEDIA, or concerned community member. Gloria Ramos: President of the School Board. 310-263-3200 Jose Fernandez: Superintendent 310-263-3201

2. If you would like to offer assistance, please contact Jennifer Murphy, M.A.A.C. Director, 310-804-9775, or e-mail her at murphy@hsra.org.

“If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice…” -Bell Hooks