Jerry W. Simmons

Overview

Jerry Simmons has represented charter schools in every aspect of their operations for more than fifteen years. Between his work at the firm and at the Charter Schools Development Center, Jerry has personally assisted in the development of hundreds of California’s charter schools through drafting charter petitions, memorandums of understanding for business and special education services, facilities use agreements, private leases, property purchases, and development of school policies covering every facet of charter school operations. Jerry has also assisted charter schools with employment and labor law matters, board governance and training, zoning and building code compliance, defense of audit findings in both annual and extraordinary audits, compliance with the Brown Act, Political Reform Act Public Records Act, and Family Educational Records Protection Act.

Jerry has presented workshops for the Charter Schools Development Center and frequently presents at California Charter Schools Association conferences. He also presents at Governance Academies jointly sponsored by the firm and the California Charter Schools Association. His understanding of governance and public agency laws has been enriched by his own prior service as both a both member and President of the Sierra Community College District Board of Trustees. He also previously served as a member of the City of San Jose Parks and Recreation Commission, Chair of the City of San Jose’s Youth Commission, Chair of the Santa Clara County Youth Commission and Student Body President at San Jose State University.