State Board approves several charter and Learn Everywhere items, including new charter and renewals

At a single meeting the State Board of Education heard multiple charter and program items and took actions to approve several requests and renewals.

Votes at a glance

- Rivendell Interstate District: Board approved an amendment to the district’s articles of agreement. (Motion moved and seconded; Board voted “aye.”)

- Seacoast Classical Academy Charter Public School: The Board approved a charter amendment to expand the school’s grade offerings from K–8 to K–12. Presenters said the school uses a Hillsdale College curriculum license, has roughly 180 scholars and currently leases 18,000 square feet in a former middle-school building; the Board noted updated graduation-credit rules (ED 306) will apply to any high-school programming. (Motion moved, seconded; approved.)

- Gathering Waters Charter Public School (amendment): The Board approved a change to the school’s charter language on teacher qualifications to allow “degree in education preferred and/or New Hampshire teaching certification and Waldorf teacher certification or willingness to pursue“ as the hiring standard for practical-arts faculty. School representatives said the change removes a hiring barrier for artisans (woodworkers, handwork instructors) who have strong practical skills but may not hold advanced degrees. (Motion moved, seconded; approved.)

- MC Squared Charter Public School (renewal): The Board approved a five-year renewal for MC Squared. Board members discussed the school’s small enrollment (roughly 73 at the time of reporting), high special-education share and a higher-than-average student turnover; Board members urged focus on sustainability and fundraising while commending the school’s mission and student-centered programming. (Motion moved, seconded; approved.)

- Cornerstone Charter School (new): The Board approved a new charter for Cornerstone Charter School, an applicant group that said it would focus on literacy (Orton-Gillingham instruction), integrated project-based learning and serving students with dyslexia or other learning differences. Founders described a planned opening in 2026 and said they would use a staged fundraising and board-recruitment process; Board members asked the group to return with detailed trustee names and nonprofit governance steps during the implementation phase. (Motion moved, seconded; approved.)

- Friends Forever International — Learn Everywhere application: The Board approved Friends Forever International’s Learn Everywhere application to expand credit-bearing experiential coursework tied to the organization’s residential and short-term programs. Staff said the organization has run New Hampshire programs for years and requested Learn Everywhere approval for a new cohort of courses, including career exploration and math offerings; presenters described delivery logistics and scholarships that cover travel and program costs. (Motion moved, seconded; approved.)

Process notes and Board discussion

Board members repeatedly urged charter applicants to demonstrate sustainable governance, to include board members with management or financial experience and to document how parents and non-parent community members will be represented. Several Board members asked that new-start applicants return after award of a charter with a fully identified operating board and a signed facility plan before they begin instruction. Board members and staff discussed mechanisms to require a nonprofit legal structure and to separate the “granting of a charter” from “approval to begin operations” so the Department can verify trustees and facilities before a school opens.

Ending: The Board approved the motions on each item; Department staff and applicants were instructed to follow up with required documentation, including updated high-school graduation plans where applicable and, for new charters, any required pre-opening verification.