One of the proposed charter schools in Springfield was not accepted in February, but was invited by the state to reapply.
This is an updated version of a story posted at 1:55 this afternoon.
SPRINGFIELD – The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is considering proposals for 22 new charter schools across Massachusetts including three proposed in Springfield and one in Longmeadow.
The proposals, known as prospectuses, are the first step in the application process. The state will review each proposal, and by mid September will notify those groups “that hold the most promise” to submit final applications, due by Nov. 7.
Springfield has three existing charter school and a fourth, Veritas Preparatory Charter School, is scheduled to open this fall. A fifth, Baystate Academy Charter School, is scheduled to open in 2013.
Mitchell D. ChesterThe proposal to add to those numbers has raised some concerns in Springfield in the past, with critics saying the charters drain students and funding from the existing public schools. Proponents say the charter schools offer more choices for parents and students, and promote improvements in the educational climate.
“I won’t create a campaign for or against charter schools,” new Springfield Superintendent of Schools Daniel J. Warwick said Thursday. “But I say that, generally speaking, I think charter schools create additional options for families. However, my job and my focus is making Springfield Public Schools great.”
The three new charter schools proposed in Springfield are as follows:
• Springfield Preparatory Charter School, grades K-8, and having an eventual maximum enrollment of 1,200 students.
• Springfield Collegiate Charter School, grades K-8, and a maximum enrollment of 456 students.
• Phoenix Charter Academy, grades 9-12, and a maximum enrollment of 250.
The fourth new charter school proposed in the region is:
• Classical Community Charter School in Longmeadow, that would serve students in grades K-12, and have a maximum enrollment of 390 students.
The specific locations are not yet disclosed.
All of the local proposals are ““Commonwealth Charter Schools,” that would be fully autonomous and operate independently of the local school district, according to the state.
In fiscal year 2014, Springfield would have about 1,300 seats available for new charter schools under its cap, a state spokesman said.
The Springfield Preparatory Charter School is being filed for a second time. A proposal was filed last year, but was denied approval by the state in February and invited to reapply. SABIS International, which already has a charter school in Springfield, resubmitted its proposal for a second school in Springfield, as invited.
Mitchell Chester, the state commissioner of education, will make recommendations to the state education board. The board is scheduled to vote at its meeting in February of 2013 to award the new charters
Chester also praised charter schools as providing parents and students “with important public school options as they consider the educational program that best meets their needs.”
Last year, there were seven charter proposals statewide, but the state has lifted a moratorium in several cities including Lawrence and Boston this year.