NEWSLETTER UPDATE #45

APRIL 17, 2008

Policy makers and opinion leaders should pay close attention….

LEGISLATION UPDATE
CHARTER SCHOOL UPDATE
OUR "WHY TO FUND CHARTER SCHOOLS" REPORTS
THE NORTH COUNTRY CHARTER SCHOOL—A LIFELINE FOR IT'S STUDENTS

LEGISLATION UPDATE & HB 1642

House Bill 1642 will have its second hearing on Tuesday, April 22nd, 8:30 a.m., State House, Concord. This bill provides one year of sustainable funding for the independent chartered schools--a bridge until the state's new funding system begins in 2009-2010. Quite a few one-year, emergency spending bills have been voted before by Senators who will vote on this one-year bill. With so much invested, how can we not support these schools when a one-year solution is available?

Read our whole story—with Senator Estabrook’s objections and Representative Weyler’s proposal.

CHARTER SCHOOL UPDATE

Public interest and demand for New Hampshire's chartered public schools keeps increasing, as is the case nationwide. Most schools plan to expand somewhat next year, according to space capacity. Schools are authorized with 5-year plans that include gradual growth. Most schools are accepting applications now for next year and are holding open houses and special events. To connect with each school's website, go to complete listing.

The Academy for Equine Sciences, Rochester, plans to expand by 15 students, mostly in grades 9 and 10. This school is career-specialized in the state’s largest agricultural industry—horses. Students have rigorous math and sciences and weekly clinical rounds with an equine surgeon. One open house is planned for May 31st--the day of the school's auction--in Rochester.

Strong Foundations, elementary school, Pembroke, plans to expand from 52 to 70 students. Founded by reading and special education teachers, this school's mission is early literacy--preventing failure and frustration. Teachers use well-researched methods for teaching reading. Strong Foundations opened this September and already they see amazing results in reading.

The Academy for Science and Design, New Hampshire’s first science-specialized school, opened this September in Merrimack. ASD plans to increase from 32 to 50-60 students, grades 7, 8, and 9. This school sets a new and uniquely high standard for science and mathematics teaching, requiring algebra, physics, and bio-chemistry in grade 7. The school has a fabulous enrichment program. Over 100 people attended each of the first open houses (see article).

North Country Charter School, the state’s first drop-out recovery school, is on target to graduate 30 students (50% of enrollment) and has weekly calls about openings from parents and school districts (see article).

Seacoast Charter School, elementary, in Kingston, plans to expand to 106 students next year, adding two classrooms. This school specializes in the arts and teaching through the arts.

CSI has just opened in Merrimack Valley, with students who had dropped out or were close to dropping out of high school. The school is thriving.

Cocheco Arts and Technology (CATA), Barrington, is also thriving. This is New Hampshire's first high school for performing arts and arts-related technology. Students from CATA have won talent competitions, have acted in professional theatre productions, have been recognized for musical compositions, and obtained significant college scholarships.

Franklin Career Academy is accepting applications and recently received additional funding from the Governor.

Surry Village Charter School, Surry, elementary, is also accepting applications now. This is a true village school with high academic standards.

For students attending, these schools are described as either a lifeline or a school that finally is a match for the students. All chartered public schools use a lottery if more students apply than there are spaces available.

For a complete listing of schools and links to websites (where you can find application materials and contact information) click here.

OUR “WHY FUND CHARTER SCHOOL” REPORTS

Charter schools should be allowed funds for rent and lease costs if public space is not available. That seems to be the state funding policy. In New Hampshire’s state budget, 280 state programs receive $29,000,000.00 for various rent and lease costs. Are the authorized charter schools the only state programs left out? Read: 3 Reasons to Fund Charter School Rent and Lease Costs (April 2008).

Current state aid is calculated and distributed to districts according to a formula that provides more state aid to districts which, essentially, are poor. But charter schools are not “districts” so even though they are the poorest of public schools with no local funding guaranteed, this allowable additional aid is not provided.

Additional reasons to provide a larger portion of state aid funding to charter schools are found in 20 Reasons to Fund Charter Schools (March 2008).

THE NORTH COUNTRY CHARTER SCHOOL—A LIFELINE FOR ITS STUDENTS

With locations in Littleton and Lancaster, the North Country Charter Academy literally makes a difference in the lives of young people who have dropped out, or are on the verge of dropping out, of public high schools. These students are at risk of not completing high school and all of life’s disadvantages that result from this decision. Read more about this fantastic New Hampshire charter school.

 

We welcome questions and suggestions. So contact us. Know someone who might like our newsletter? Let us know.

---

 Telephone:  603.224.0366                   Fax:  603.224.8366
Postal Address: Concord, NH 03301 Email:  susan@nhschoolreform.org