The California Department of Education has finalized its list of low-performing schools, and Natomas Unified administrators are not too happy about it.

Natomas High School was one of two Sacramento-area schools on the list until its removal yesterday. Schools on the list will share $415 million in federal School Improvement Grants the state expects to receive; those classified as “underperforming” are eligible for up to $2 million in federal money per year for three years.

Said Natomas Unified sokeswoman Heidi Van Zant in the Bee:

“We’re very, very disappointed and frankly a bit stunned by the turn of events…We still have the designation of a failing school in the public’s minds and now we won’t have any of these much-needed federal funds.”

This is a far cry from the excitement Zant showed on Monday in an interview with CBS 13 News. In this interview, Zant acted as though the designation was a blessing, saying:

“We’re thinking big. We want the cadillac of programs for Natomas High School…Imagine the transformation that could take place here. It could be life changing for Natomas High School.”

Maybe Zant and Natomas Unified need to take a cue for Twin Rivers Unified School District, who also have a school – Highlands Academy of Arts and Design – on the list.

Said Twin Rivers Unified spokeswoman Trinette Marquis:

“No one wants to be a part of that list.”