Charter ad-hoc committee agrees on some charter renewal changes, defers enrollment-cap vote to board

The Keystone Central ad-hoc committee on Feb. 3 reviewed renewal requests from the local charter school and agreed on several procedural changes while deferring a requested enrollment increase to the full board for decision.

Committee findings and agreements District Superintendent Doctor Redmond told the committee that the charter renewal review must rely on six legal criteria established for charter renewals. Committee minutes show the group found no criterion that currently indicates grounds to deny renewal based on performance data. The charter’s language-arts and mathematics performance showed rebound to near pre-pandemic levels, Doctor Redmond said.

The ad-hoc committee took three actions during its January–February meetings: - It agreed with a proposed modification to allow students in grade 12 who have successfully completed an Act 158 graduation pathway to be excused from additional district assessments and interventions (committee consensus). The agreed revised language reads that “students in grade 12 who have successfully completed all requirements of a graduation pathway under Act 158 may be excused from additional assessments.” - It agreed to change the charter’s annual appearance process: the charter school will submit its annual comprehensive data report in advance, and the committee will prepare questions ahead of any in-person presentation so representatives are not “caught off guard.” Committee minutes say the committee will still receive a presentation and public review; the change is procedural and intended to make meetings more efficient. - The committee did not reach a final decision on the charter’s request to increase enrollment from 475 to 495 (an additional 20 students). The item will be brought to the full board for further discussion and a vote at the next scheduled board meeting; committee members expressed mixed views and raised questions about special-education enrollments and class-size effects.

Board-level concerns raised Several board members questioned whether the district could lawfully limit the number or type of students the charter may enroll, particularly special-education students. One board member observed that the board is not allowed to use the district’s financial impact as the sole basis for a renewal denial; others asked whether limiting special-education placements would be legally permissible. Doctor Redmond said she would facilitate follow-up conversations between the district and the charter’s special-education staff to clarify how services and IEP decisions are made.

Process and timing The committee expects to meet the charter on Monday (scheduled meeting) to iron out remaining language and bring final recommendations to the full board for a vote at the next Thursday meeting. Committee minutes also record that the charter requested eliminating a second diagnostic assessment requirement; Doctor Redmond will follow up with the charter’s leadership (Mrs. Kennedy) and report back.

Ending The ad-hoc committee approved procedural changes and one substantive wording change for Grade 12 students; the 20-student enrollment-cap request will be discussed by the full board. The committee also prioritized collaborative work with the charter on assessment and special-education coordination.