News - Local
Department Seeks Applications From Charter School Operators
Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:16 AM by Katie Durio
Updated: Sep 7, 2010 11:24 AM
BATON ROUGE, LA - Through the Louisiana Department of Education's Office of Parental Options, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is requesting and accepting applications from organizations interested in operating Linear Leadership Academy in Shreveport as a charter school beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. Organizations interested in applying to run the campus as a Type 5 charter school may access the application here. Applications are due October 4.
While complete applications are due in October, letters of intent from interested applicants are due to the Office of Parental Options by September 10, 2010, and eligibility documents must be received by September 20, 2010.
"Our aim is to identify organizations that have a desire and the capacity to provide students at this school with the high-quality education they deserve," State Superintende nt of Education Paul Pastorek said. "We have a tremendous opportunity to continue the infusion of new ideas and energy surrounding public education in this community and across our state. We want to identify innovative charter school operators who will ensure our students are successful."
Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are governed by their own board of directors. Charter schools are commonly established by local community groups, including nonprofit organizations, community or parent groups, churches, businesses, universities, municipalities, and teachers, among other groups. Louisiana does not have a restriction on the number of charter schools that may operate in the state. Currently, there are 90 charter schools statewide.
While charter schools are free from some of the regulations governing traditional public schools, charter schools are public schools held accountable for student achievement and other results. Cha rter schools are required to participate in the state's accountability system, abide by curriculum requirements and ensure the qualifications of instructional staff meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements.
Linear Middle School was one of 10 schools transferred to the jurisdiction of the Recovery School District (RSD) in July 2009 due to persistently unacceptable academic performance. The school, which currently has about 150 students in grades 6-8, was restructured and operated as a Type 5 charter school during the 2009-2010 school year. However, the school's previous charter was surrendered in August, and the RSD has assumed responsibility for running the school for the 2010-2011 school year in an effort to minimize any disruption for students and school personnel.
The timeline for charter school submissions is as follows:
September 10, 2010 Letter of Intent Due
September 20, 20 10 Deadline for Mandatory Eligibility Review Documentation
October 4, 2010 Charter Applications Due
October 4, 2010 Completeness Screening
December 2010 BESE Approves New Charters
For more information, please visit the Office of Parental Options' web site: http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/charter/2624.html .
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