April 14, 2005
Contact: Luci Willits (208) 332-1591

COMMISSION APPROVES THREE SCHOOLS

BOISE - The Idaho Charter School Commission approved three new public schools, but only one can open in the fall.

Commissioners unanimously approved INSPIRE statewide virtual school, Taylor’s Crossing in Idaho Falls on a vote of 3 to 2, and the Academy at Roosevelt in Pocatello on a vote of 5 to 1. State law allows six new charter schools to open per school year and five schools have already been approved. Because three schools were approved, the first school to receive an official notification of the Commission’s decision and return it with copy of their petition to the office of the State Board of Education will secure the final spot. The other schools will open in the 2006-2007 school year.

“Each of these schools have tremendous potential,” said Jim Hammond, Chair of the Commission. “As a Commission, we evaluate schools based on a host of factors - budget, the skills and diversity of founding members, and curriculum. The Commission believes INSPIRE, Taylor’s Crossing and the Academy at Roosevelt Center will offer students an exceptional education.”

INSPIRE will serve Idaho students in grades K-12. The online charter school would offer the Connections Academy curriculum. Taylor’s Crossing School will be located in Idaho Falls and offer students an enhanced curriculum centering on American history, the Constitution, and character education. The school will also use the Harbor Method, which focuses on discipline and creating a safe learning environment. ARC will serve 250 students in the Pocatello area in grades K-8 and teach Idaho standards utilizing online curriculum as well utilizing the Harbor Method.

Commissioners also unanimously denied the Renaissance School of Arts of Pocatello. Commissioners encouraged Renaissance to rework their petition and file it with their local school district. Founders of the school also have the option of appealing the Commission’s decision. “This charter school could offer exciting new opportunities for students, but it is not ready for this year,” said Commissioner Bill Goesling.

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			April 14, 2005 Contact: Luci Willits (208) 332-1591 COMMISSION APPROVES THREE SCHOOLS BOISE - The Idaho Charter School Commission approved three new public schools, but only one can open in the fall. Commissioners unanimously approved INSPIRE statewide virtual school, Taylor’s Crossing in Idaho Falls on a vote of 3 to 2, and the Academy at Roosevelt in Pocatello on a vote of 5 to 1. State law allows six new charter schools to open per school year and five schools have already been approved. Because three schools were approved, the first school to receive an official notification of the Commission’s decision and return it with copy of their petition to the office of the State Board of Education will secure the final spot. The other schools will open in the 2006-2007 school year. “Each of these schools have tremendous potential,” said Jim Hammond, Chair of the Commission. “As a Commission, we evaluate schools based on a host of factors - budget, the skills and diversity of founding members, and curriculum. The Commission believes INSPIRE, Taylor’s Crossing and the Academy at Roosevelt Center will offer students an exceptional education.” INSPIRE will serve Idaho students in grades K-12. The online charter school would offer the Connections Academy curriculum. Taylor’s Crossing School will be located in Idaho Falls and offer students an enhanced curriculum centering on American history, the Constitution, and character education. The school will also use the Harbor Method, which focuses on discipline and creating a safe learning environment. ARC will serve 250 students in the Pocatello area in grades K-8 and teach Idaho standards utilizing online curriculum as well utilizing the Harbor Method. Commissioners also unanimously denied the Renaissance School of Arts of Pocatello. Commissioners encouraged Renaissance to rework their petition and file it with their local school district. Founders of the school also have the option of appealing the Commission’s decision. “This charter school could offer exciting new opportunities for students, but it is not ready for this year,” said Commissioner Bill Goesling. # # # # #