Jerry W. Simmons

Jerry Simmons has represented charter schools in every aspect of their operations for more than fifteen years. Between his work at the firm and 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 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 service as a member and President of the Sierra Community College District Board of Trustees has enriched his understanding of governance and public agency law. He also 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.