Board Decision Regarding George Washington Carver School of Arts and Sciences

The purpose of this communication is to inform our community of the Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education’s decision regarding the future of George Washington Carver School of Arts and Sciences.

Tonight, at its meeting on April 16, 2026, the Board voted to close George Washington Carver School of Arts and Sciences effective at the end of the 2025–26 school year. However, the Board may revisit this decision if adequate external funding is committed to George Washington Carver before the April 30 Board Meeting. The school needs at least $300,000 in unrestricted funds to remain solvent.

This decision follows several months of careful review of the school’s fiscal condition, enrollment trends, and potential pathways to sustainability. Based on this analysis, the Board determined that there is not a reasonable likelihood that the school can achieve or maintain fiscal solvency in the coming years. Carver, like all Charter Schools in the State of California, is required to be financially solvent under the law.

This decision also comes at a time when the District is facing significant and ongoing financial challenges. Like many school districts across California, Sacramento City Unified School District must make difficult decisions to ensure that resources are aligned in a way that is sustainable and supports all students across the system. 

We recognize that this decision has a profound impact on the Carver community. Students, families, and staff have built a strong and meaningful school environment, and we deeply value the contributions of this community.

Our immediate priority is to support students, families, and staff through this transition. To that end:

• The District’s Crisis Support Team will be on campus on Friday morning to provide support to students and staff.
   
• The District will work with each family to identify and enroll them in a new school that meets their needs. Additional communication with detailed information about school options, enrollment support, and key next steps will be shared early next week.
   
• The School will focus on doing everything possible to make the end of the school year positive and memorable for current students.

We know this is a difficult moment, and we will continue to engage with and support the Carver community in the days and weeks ahead.

In Collaboration,

La Niecia Kobelt (Principal), Amanda Goldman (Director), and Tuan Duong (Assistant Superintendent)