4 schools get nod from charter board

It's tough love time as the State Charter School Board recommends who gets to launch a school and who doesn't for the 2010-11 school year.

Charter school applicants waited anxiously for the answer Wednesday morning, much like student-athletes waiting to see if they made the team. The board posted the list in the boardroom before discussing and voting on who is in and who is out.

The recommendations are slated for discussion and vote by the State Board of Education Nov. 7.

If the applicants receive final approval, fall 2010 will welcome four new charter schools: a satellite of American Preparatory in the Midvale/Sandy area, Jordan School District; Quail Run Primary School, Alpine School District; Maria Montessori Academy, Weber School District; and Weilenmann School of Discovery, Park City School District.

The Charter School Board tabled approval of Cache Valley Learning Center pending more information about potential concerns, including issues on transitioning from a private school to a public school.

The board denied recommending approval for Beehive Science & Technology in West Valley and Lyceum Academy in Utah County. The applicants didn't provide enough information by the deadline.

"I'm going to go cry in my car," said Lynn Farley, vice president of the proposed Lyceum Academy. The school would have targeted special-education students.

Board members gave the failing applicants a tongue-lashing. "It should not be our staff's responsibility to beg and plead to get information from you," said Scott Smith, board vice chairman.

Denied applicants can reapply. "The kids will still be there waiting for you," Smith said.

There is no limit to the number of charter schools in Utah but student growth is held to 1.4 percent of statewide enrollment each year.

The board also approved enrollment increases or grade expansions for American Leadership Academy, George Washington Academy, North Star Academy, Summit Academy and Spectrum Academy.

Expansion requests from C.S. Lewis Academy and Paradigm High School were not approved due to the schools' low test scores.

The board approved a request from Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, & Science to switch from district to state oversight. Academy officials said Weber, Ogden and Davis districts have supported them but they would simply like to report to one entity.

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