The Tehachapi Unified School District unanimously approved a new charter school Tuesday night.
The Abernathy Collegiate Charter School is named after prominent Bakersfield political consultant Mark Abernathy.
Despite the naming honor, the school says it has no political agenda.
The deal is dependent on a memorandum of understanding between the district and the charter school.
There are some kinks to be worked out, such as where the school will be located.
Other issues...will students be allowed to join public school sports teams, and whether the school will include a sexual and gender-based anti-bullying curriculum, now required of the Tehachapi School District.
"If any student were to participate in our programs it seems like they would fall under the requirements of the resolution agreement. So, that's another thing that needs to be considered," said Lisa Gilbert, Tehachapi Schools Superintendent
Student enrollment at the charter school would start at roughly 100 students, with about 25 kids per class.
The focus will be preparing the students specifically for University of California schools.
And, being a charter also gives administrators more flexibility.
"We do have the ability to hire and fire personnel. We will be very selective when we hire teachers so that should not be an issue. The school district has their hands tied in that way. And, another thing unique is that we get to pick our own curriculum," said Teresa Foley, Abernathy Charter School board member
The charter school is holding a fundraiser September 22nd at the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum to help with costs for setting up and opening the school.
