The Jurupa Unified School District Board of Education last week held the first of two public hearings for a potential new charter school founded by former NFL player Jordan Campbell and entrepreneur Teague Egan.
The proposed charter, The Institute of Human Development Academy (IHDA), describes itself as a science-based academic institution that emphasizes “environmental stewardship, social justice and equity.”
If approved, the charter is expected to open next fall with a total enrollment of 200 students in third through ninth grades, according to the petition. By the 2027-28 academic year, the school expects enrollment to grow to a total of 800 students in third through 12th grades.
Campbell focused his presentation on his deep ties to the community, his deep desire to give back to the community and his deeply held belief that the school would benefit the community as a whole.
“IHD Academy is ready to evolve our community,” he said. “This pivot is revolutionary for the next generation of students and future leaders … and we are excited to be a part of the Jurupa Valley community and elevate everyone around us.”
If allowed to open, IHDA will be the second charter school with Campbell at the helm. The first, Winner’s Circle Academy (WCA), is located in Corona and provides students with rigorous academic and athletic training with the goal of getting them athletic scholarships to some of the best universities in the nation.
“I’m proof that you can use athletics as a platform to help earn a free education, and being a student is more important than being an athlete,” he said. “But being a student with a plan is more powerful.”
Many of those who spoke during the public hearing, spoke in support of the new charter, basing their comments on Campbell’s work with WCA and the difference he and the school have made in their children’s and their family’s lives.
“With the new thing that Coach Campbell wants to do with our community, it’s not just a school,” WCA parent Sheiryll Anne Quiliza said. “What you’re going to get is family, community, friends that turn into family, children that want to be a part of something and to grow.”
According to Assistant Superintendent Daniel Brooks, the purpose of the public hearing was to consider the level of support for the petition to establish the new charter school, which he said a committee of district staff was currently reviewing.
The school board is expected to hold a second public hearing and make a final decision on whether the school will be allowed to move forward with its plans at the regularly scheduled Dec. 11 meeting, Brooks said.
A video of the meeting can be found here on the school district’s website.
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