Montgomery County Board Considers Enrollment Increase for Business Learning Institute Charter School

The Montgomery County Board of Education faced a pivotal decision regarding the Mentoring by Example College and Career Academy's Business Learning Institute (MBLI) during their recent meeting. The charter school requested to increase its first-year enrollment from 250 to 290 students, citing operational needs and commitments to families.

Dr. Taylor presented the request, noting that MBLI has encountered construction delays at its permanent site and is currently operating from a temporary location. The increase in enrollment was deemed necessary to sustain operations and enhance educational programs. However, this request was submitted after the deadline outlined in the charter agreement, which requires enrollment changes to be submitted by the previous October.

Dr. Taylor highlighted significant staffing shortages at MBLI, with only 22 out of 32 teacher positions filled. The school is currently relying on substitute teachers to manage classrooms, raising concerns about the feasibility of accommodating nearly 40 additional students without adequate staff support.

Despite the urgency of the request, Dr. Taylor recommended denial, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the charter agreement and the potential negative impact on the school's operations. The board is set to deliberate on this recommendation, weighing the implications for both the school and its students.