State charter school leaders have come up with a plan to close underperforming schools — if there is ever a need for that.

"Statistically, we are going to have to close someone down, so we just want to get ahead of the game so there is a process in line if that ever should come," said John Broberg, state charter school director.

So far, officials say they have been lucky. Three schools have closed since charters first appeared in Utah eight years ago — but none of them was closed by the state.

Jean Massieu dissolved its charter after opting to become part of the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind; Park City Learning Center closed because of a lack of parental interest; and Granite School District yanked Dream's charter after the school failed to turn in audits.

Though the state has yet to shut a school down, leaders say a process is needed for when the time comes.

The closure plan outlines a process in which parents would be notified in writing within a week after the state's decision to close a school. Parents would be advised on how to transfer a student's records. Area schools would also be notified of the school's closure to prepare for a possible influx of new students.

Nationally, Broberg said, there are two problems that commonly lead to the closure of charter schools — lack of academic achievement and financial difficulties.

Charter schools that consistently perform below par, failing to meet federal benchmarks on standardized tests without showing signs of improvement, have often been in line for closure.

"It wouldn't be a one-year process; it's several years of not improving test scores and academic achievement," Broberg said.

Poor finances can lead to closure as schools run out of money and can't pay their leases or teachers.

But Broberg said he hopes the training that charter administrators and charter school applicants are receiving in Utah will help avoid closures in the future.

Starting last year, the state charter office began holding mandatory trainings for those interested in applying for a charter so they are well aware of what they are getting into and what is to be expected.

This year, state charter officials have started holding monthly meetings and trainings for schools that are currently preparing to open.

"We used to do all of that in just one or two sessions," Broberg said.

---

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com