State board to OK 8 new charter schools

Next week charter leaders will be giving the nod to a handful of new charter schools and expansion proposals that will make room for around 7,300 new charter school students.

But leaders say the growth limits placed on the schools — which are aimed at controlling expansion — has made the process much more competitive, making decisions on who's in and who's out much more difficult.

Marlies Burns, director of the State Charter Office, said this year eight schools made it through the application process, scoring high enough to be considered by the State Charter School Board.

Besides those eight schools, existing charters have submitted proposals for two satellite schools and 12 expansion requests for the 2009-10 school year.

That's more than 10,000 students. Nonetheless, under statute the Charter Board can only approve growth to the tune of 1.4 percent of the prior year's public school enrollment — that number is projected to be around 7,300.

The limit isn't new since in recent years charter school growth was capped at five new schools, or 5,000 students. And while some charter advocates don't like growth caps, others say it provides for controlled growth in an already swiftly growing area.

Burns said limiting growth has made the process much more competitive, which translates to better prepared applications along with a tighter screening process.

Moreover, it has led some applicants to pursue charters that can be given preference under the law.

The charter board can give chartering preference to schools who target under-served student populations such as low income, English language learners, students with disabilities, and students in remote areas of the state, according to statute. Schools who are applying in a district that doesn't currently have charters available also have an edge.

Among some of the charters the board will decide on next week is a satellite school from American Preparatory Academy that would target refugee families and be built on the west side of Salt Lake City. Other charters include a Health and Wellness academy and a performing arts elementary, both in Washington County, an online virtual high school and a charter school in Tooele.

Tooele does not have any charter schools.

Charter schools are free and public schools open to everyone. Enrollment in each school is subject to lottery. Next fall, 67 Utah charter schools will be in operation serving around 28,000 students.

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