IN THIS EDITION:

Goffstown Charter School Opens
Statewide Science Charter School Proposed
Surry Village Charter School Proposed
HB 76 Passes to the Senate
New Orleans Rebuilds with Charter Schools
NH Charter Schools--Go See
New Radio Shows Posted

 

GOFFSTOWN CHARTER SCHOOL OPENS
The 7th New Hampshire charter school, New Heights Academy, opened in January with specialties in project-based learning, teacher governance, and democratic values. Based in Goffstown using the high school after hours, the teachers who designed this unique public charter school have forged a partnership with a Gates-funded, Minnesota program--EdVisions’ 21st-Century Schools. Founding teachers were congratulated at the 2/7/06 meeting of the State Board of Education. Read the Press Release.

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STATEWIDE SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE & ENGINEERING PROPOSED

New Hampshire will join states offering a specialty high school for science and engineering if The Academy for Science and Design is favorably reviewed by the State Board of Education. Daniel Webster College is advancing the science & engineering charter school proposal; 20 educators and college personnel have assisted with components. Dozens of parents and business leaders are expressing interest. Click to listen to a recent WKXL1450 broadcast explaining the school, science education needs, and Daniel Webster College. To join the synergy of this forward-moving school, click here.

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SURRY VILLAGE CHARTER SCHOOL PROPOSED
It will take the whole village to bring Surry's charter school to life and founders planned it this way. Surry’s proposal creates a model village school that embraces involvement of village residents with students, sharing skills and interests. After months of turmoil, the village has pulled together to bring their young children back to town. Have you followed The Saga of the Surry Village School? Well, Don't miss Chapter V: The Surry Village Charter School Plan, now posted on our weblog. (Chapters I-IV still posted).

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HB76 PASSES TO THE SENATE

The closing of Franklin Career Academy shows how a community's dramatic withholding of state funds can strangle a charter school. HB 76, just passed from the House to the Senate, will assure direct payment of state funds to charter schools. Students in state-authorized charter schools are not guaranteed any other public funding, so state funding cannot be withheld. For charter schools accepting students from multiple communities, HB 76 will prevent another Franklin situation. Our Legislation Watch closely follows education bills for school reform and finance. Take a look. Stay up to date. The last hurdle for New Hampshire schools is adequate funding. See our comparison of public school vs. charter school funding.

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NEW ORLEANS REBUILDS WITH CHARTER SCHOOLS
New Orleans is rebuilding its public school system with charter schools. Here is a message from Jim Geiser, Director, Louisiana Charter School Association:

To connect with a new charter school, contact Jim @ jimgeiser3@cox.net

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NH Charter Schools--Go See
If you haven't visited NH charter school websites to see how great these small schools are, please go look. The Academy for Arts & Arts-related Technology--CATA--in Dover--wonderful. Have you seen little Laurent Clerc Academy's website? Despite untold obstacles, this little school is fabulous. Go look! And Seacoast Charter School in Stratham--this little elementary school is terrific. The New Hampshire Equestrian Academy has posted 2 advisories and they are pulling into gear. Great schools! Great opportunities. Let's fix the funding this year.

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NEW RADIO SHOWS POSTED
Our radio shows from SCHOOL TALK (WKXL1450.com) are taped and posted for your downloading and listening pleasure.