More Mississippi students could soon have a chance to attend a charter school. MPB's Alexis Ware reports the number of charter schools could double.
Three proposed charter schools are moving to the last leg of the application process. The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board is beginning evaluations of each group's proposal. Each remaining group will go through interviews and a public hearing throughout the month of August. A third party will also review each application.
Rachel Canter is the Executive Director of the education non-profit Mississippi First. She says this step will show the Board who is qualified.
It is a very very difficult task to run a high quality charter school and sometimes people who have the right motivations and the right desire are just not ready to open schools."
The charter schools would open in Clarksdale, Canton and Sunflower County. The institutions would be the first charter schools outside of Jackson. Leaders of the proposed schools are preparing for the last step by communicating with their communities.
Amanda Johnson is the Founder of Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School.
"We're excited about the possibility of opening up a school in Clarksdale in order to have a high quality public school option for families there in town."
Dorlisa Hutton is with SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy. The group is proposing to bring the school to Canton.
"One thing that is important in preparing is that you believe in the work you do we always before we do anything make sure it would first benefit the student, benefit the community and that we believe in the work."
The Authorizer Board will make its final decision on September 11.
