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| 3/11/2009 6:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Carl Anderson (left) with Goodhue Elementary Principal Mike Harvey during the February 26 ITV meeting between Goodhue, KW and ZM schools. |
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Area schools explore possible charter
Annette Jorissen
Goodhue Reporter
GOODHUE - In what may possibly be a first, area schools are contemplating the formation of an interactive charter school within area schools. While no firm commitments or decisions have been made, Goodhue Public School has been speaking with representatives from Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Kenyon-Wanamingo Public Schools about the possibility of forming a charter school within the school districts. Personnel met in their respective interactive classrooms for a meeting on Thursday, February 26 for additional information. Carl Anderson, Goodhue Public School's technology integration specialist, led the discussion on the possible next step. Also attending were Goodhue Superintendent Robert Bangston, Goodhue Elementary Principal Mike Harvey, Goodhue Public School technology coordinator and business teacher Joe Sand, KW Principal Patrick Walsh, and WETC Director at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools Aaron Bergstralh. Erick Enger, Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School principal who had been expected to attend, was unable to do so because of another commitment.
The idea is to give area students another option for school by utilizing the interactive classrooms, where teachers use televisions and cameras to interact with others in the classroom at different sites. Various questions were raised about the viability of a hybrid that would incorporate both traditional coursework and project-based learning opportunities. Anderson explained that he felt that a hybrid was not the best route to consider. He recommended a model completely based on project learning. Staff contact with students is mandated differently for charter schools than traditional schools, which is something to consider when choosing which model to follow. He also stressed that definite decisions on the school model, or even if a charter would be applied for, did not need to be made at that meeting. The only commitment that needed to be made was a decision on four people attending the training session for a charter application. The registration for the planning session is due March 10 and would only cost $50 for the first four people who would be required to attend prior to completing the application. This all-day session would require an administrator in attendance in addition to someone who would maintain financial accountability.
The application to establish a charter would be due July 7. Financial and student enrollment concerns were expressed by Walsh. Anderson said that financial risk is limited because initial costs are extremely minimal. Should an application to start a charter move forward, Anderson also said that many grants would be available to cover the costs of the initial year of planning the schools and the equipment necessary to set up classrooms. These costs would probably include some kind of compensation to the existing districts for use of their structures. Anderson does not foresee a mass exodus of students from the traditional school district; nor does he see it as a place for only struggling students. He explained, "This can really be seen as a retention tool. This includes students who might leave through PSEO (post-secondary enrollments options)." Rather, this school could also be a place for students who may be doing fine, but who would excel in another environment and for gifted students who might be bored and need an additional challenge. In a world where traditional schools face increasing competition for students, it is just another option for students that Anderson hopes will strengthen the existing schools.
Only the attendance at the planning session has been firmly decided on. School districts and personnel maintain an open mind about the possible school; its role and fate remain unknown. The planning committee for the charter school has established a website for anyone who wants more information on the process or to provide input. Anderson explained, "The idea is that this school will also be planned by the community it hopes to serve." Anyone may participate on the website; however, contributors must register and cannot remain anonymous in this online public forum. People may log onto www.wetccharter.ning.com.
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