Story Archives of 'Charter Schools'

As federal start-up grants for local charter schools dwindle, many are looking to the state to keep them afloat. But given the current budget shortfall, there’s still debate over whether to throw them a life vest. This week could be make-or-break for several charter schools in the Granite State. We’ll look at where new funds could come from and discuss possible solutions to the charter school crisis.

Guests

• Bill Wilmot, head of school at the Seacoast Charter School
• Dean Michener, Director of Governmental Affairs at the New Hampshire School Boards Association
• Ken Merrifield, mayor of Franklin

Some high school students in the state may soon be competing with their parents for use of the home office.

That's if those students choose to attend the state's first charter school in cyber-space.

The virtual high school is scheduled to open in January, offering online high school classes and degrees.

Proponents say that cyber schools provide flexibility.

Critics worry that students will lose the social interaction that old fashioned brick & mortar schools offer.

NHPR's Dianne Finch has more.

New Hampshire’s first charter school opened its doors three years ago.

There are now fourteen approved charters - they rely solely on state adequacy aid and federal start-up grants.

But the start-up money is running out, making it difficult for institutions like the Seacoast Charter School in Exeter to stay afloat.

NHPR Correspondent Sheryl Rich-Kern reports.

A bill winding its way through the state house would allow charter schools to receive financial aid directly from the state giving them the assistance they say is necessary to stay afloat. But the idea has its critics who ask why public schools should compete with charter schools for limited resources. We’ll look at the debate. Laura is joined by Amy Quinton, Education Reporter at NHPR, State Representative John Hunt, sponsor of the charter school bill, and Roberta Tenney, Administrator for School Standards at the New Hampshire Department of Education. We will also hear from Emily Hamilton, Head of School and Lead Teacher at the Seacoast Charter School.

Last summer, New Hampshire's first charter school in Franklin opened its doors, now as its first school year ends six charter schools stand. Schools have begun to boast of the success of its students yet the year has not been without its major challenges? difficulties in state aid and negativity by certain school boards have left some of these schools uncertain about their futures. Today on the Exchange we look back at the last year of charter schools in our state and look forward to what their futures might hold. Laura's guests are Amy Quinton, NHPR's Education reporter. Roberta Tenney, Administrator for school standards for the New Hampshire Department of Education who oversees Charter, Choice, Home Schooling and Non-Public Education. Bill Grimm, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Founder of the Franklin Career Academy, the state's first Charter School. Patrice Baker, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Seacoast Charter School in Exeter. Mark Joyce, Execuitve Director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association and Lisa Lavoie, Director of the North Country Charter Academy in Littleton and Lancaster.