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Board approves two new K-8 charter schools, begins contract process
Summary
The district approved applications from East Hills Academy and Spruce Community School and will move to contract development; both approvals were unanimous after staff and District Accountability Committee reviews and a public hearing.
The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education unanimously approved two new charter school applications Wednesday — East Hills Academy and Spruce Community School — following staff reviews, a District Accountability Committee review and a public hearing at the meeting.
Board action and next steps - The board approved resolution 2025-40 to authorize East Hills Academy to operate as a new charter school and resolution 2025-41 to authorize Spruce Community School. Both votes were unanimous. - Approval at this stage authorizes the district to begin drafting charters and implementation contracts; the final contract and operational milestones must still be negotiated and returned to the board for final approval before either school enrolls students.
What supporters said - Several speakers at the public hearing urged approval. Justin Herrod, a superintendent at Nunn Construction, said East Hills— emphasis on a "core knowledge curriculum" and character development made it a fit for families who need busing and a family-friendly schedule. - Spruce supporters said the school—s project-based learning model and small class sizes would add an option for families seeking a different instructional approach.
Why it matters: Approving an application begins a multi-step process that includes contract negotiation, facility planning, and milestone reporting. The board and staff said the district will monitor academic and fiscal performance through the charter contract and renewal process.
Votes and timing - East Hills Academy (resolution 2025-40): motion moved and seconded; roll call vote recorded as unanimous in favor. - Spruce Community School (resolution 2025-41): motion moved and seconded; roll call vote recorded as unanimous in favor.
Provenance (where topic appears in the public record) - East Hills Academy motion introduced on the record; public hearing testimony for charter applicants occurred earlier in the meeting. - Both approvals were made at the June 4 regular meeting; the staff and DAC reviews were included in board documents and considered by board members.
Ending Board members congratulated the applicant teams and noted that charter approval is the first of several implementation steps; a contract with performance expectations and timelines will be negotiated and returned to the board for final approval before either school opens.
