Law of the land
This week saw the calm after the final whirlwind of action on the state budget. The House and Senate voted to approve the bill after we went to press on June 30, sending a package of significant education provisions—including a historic boost in charter school funding—to Governor DeWine for signature. More analysis on changes directly affecting charter schools will come in the days ahead. Also of import for schools—all schools—is the revamp of education governance in Ohio, which remained part of the bill when the governor signed it on July 3. The creation of a new Department of Education and Workforce, the appointment of an education director by the governor, and the reduction in responsibilities for the state board of education will create seismic change for the entire K-12 ecosystem.
New year, new schedule
This week, we got a look at the new weekly schedule to be launched at Canton Harbor High School in the fall. Announced back in February, the “4 Plus 2” arrangement means four days of “typical” classes (which are probably not super typical anyway, being a dropout recovery charter) followed by two hours of personalized instruction time with teachers on Fridays. Principal Steven Nichols believes the innovations will improve student achievement through the Friday time focused on specific areas where students are behind and will boost teacher well-being by giving them more out-of-class time for prep and paperwork.
Innovative school model in Indiana
Speaking of innovations, here’s a great profile of Christel House, a charter network in Indianapolis that began as a single K-4 school focused on English learner students in 2002 at the dawn of charter creation in the Hoosier State. Today, the network boasts four campuses and over 2,000 students as well as programming that serves individuals well beyond high school graduation. Staffers remain connected with alumni for at least five years after graduation to offer a wide array of services related to further education, job placements, and much more. Through their dropout recovery programs, Christel House also serves adults looking to return to complete or augment their education. “We try hard to expand the definition of student success,” says Sarah Weimer, CEO and executive director. “We’re looking at life outcomes.” Nice!
The wheels on the bus
Today, for the first time, charter schools in Nevada can begin applying for state funding to provide transportation for their students. Thanks to a bill passed earlier this year, up to $7 million in dedicated funds is available for the 2023-24 school year. If approved, schools are eligible to receive up to the full amount per pupil that the district in which they are located receives. The first approvals could be issued as early as July 28.
On the grow!
Charter schools are growing steadily in the Mountain State. This week, the West Virginia Professional Charter Schools Board heard that West Virginia Academy in Morgantown received a significant donation of land and facilities in neighboring Preston County that will allow the school to add a second academic campus and substantial athletic opportunities for students. While there is a possibility that the second campus could open this fall, it is more likely to happen in 2024. Not bad in a state that had no charter schools at all one year ago.
*****
Did you know you can have every edition of the Ohio Charter News Weekly sent directly to your Inbox? Subscribe by clicking here.
