Salt Lake District approves plans to open science charter school on west side

Salt Lake School District approved plans this week to open a science charter school aimed at developing and cultivating science interests for students on the city's west side.

But one board member representing the west side voted against the proposal because he felt there were needs that should be higher priorities in that area, such as school crowding.

"It's a nice thing, but not a must," board member Alama Uluave said. "We can live without a charter school for a long time, and there are more basic needs that should be addressed."

Uluave also was concerned the school might siphon the top students out of the west-side schools, along with the best teachers. Nonetheless, the school was approved by a 6-1 vote.

The Salt Lake Center for Science Education will serve grades 6-9 and will open its doors in fall 2008 at the former Northwest Middle School building in Rose Park.

"This offers an amazing opportunity for area children in the northwest quadrant who could not choose to go elsewhere," said Michelle Dahl, science specialist at Escalante Elementary in Salt Lake City. "The science-related job industry is booming and preparing children for these types of jobs is critical if we want to draw these kinds of businesses to the state."

Leaders say the lab school will target diverse populations, serving about 240 students, and will operate in partnership with the University of Utah. Students at the center will be provided with mentors who are scientists, educators and community leaders.

It will also serve as a professional development center for science instruction.

District leaders say the goal of the school is to help students develop good critical-thinking abilities and problem-solving skills through involvement in authentic science experiences.

Officials said students will engage in a number of projects and present them to teachers, scientists and community members. Students also will maintain online portfolios accessible to parents and people within the school.

Doug Nelson, board president, said there are recognized problems of overcrowding in the northwest quadrant of the district.

He said the school is not a fix for that but it is a step in the right direction in putting choice programs on the west side of the district — something that has been a concern in the past. He called the school a "gift that has landed in our lap."

"If we can find kids that have this area where they want to excel, and if we can help them become more confident in academics then I am all for it, and the partnership with the U. is amazing," said board member Kristi Swett.

As a charter school — a free and public school open to all students — enrollment would be determined by a lottery, and all district students could apply.

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