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Three charter applications reviewed: East Hills, Spruce Community and Gateway for Success
Summary
Three charter-school applicants presented distinct models — classical elementary with transportation (East Hills), project-based K— start with pledged startup funds (Spruce Community), and a blended credit-recovery network (Gateway for Success) — and trustees asked for follow-up on special-education, finances and facilities.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Board of Education heard presentations from three groups seeking charter authorization in District 11: East Hills Academy, Spruce Community School and Gateway for Success. District staff and the District Advisory Committee (DAC) provided reviews of each application and trustees asked detailed questions about enrollment projections, facilities, special-education services and financial contingencies.
East Hills Academy: Dana Jing and founding board members described a classical education K'model focused on a core-knowledge curriculum, character education and a plan to provide transportation to overcome access barriers. The group said it has collected signatures of interest and is evaluating sites in the district's southern neighborhoods; scenarios included a K-only launch (88 students) or a K—0 opening with smaller classes. Weather and procurement questions were not applicable; trustees pressed for more detail on special-education, ML and GT services and contingency budgets.
Spruce Community School: Founder Lauren Kasowski and founding board members described a project-based learning model emphasizing community partnerships, small class sizes and substantial start-up funding already pledged. Spruce said it has secured approximately $500,000 of year-zero funding and has multi-year philanthropic commitments to support a mindful phased opening (64'72 students planned initially). District and DAC reviewers rated Spruce's application as "fully developed" in many sections but requested clarifications on certain operational details (regulatory alignment, discipline matrices and special-education staffing ratios).
Gateway for Success: A charter-management network presentation outlined a blended credit-recovery and individualized-learning program intended to serve older students and those in need of alternate pathways to graduation. The management group described existing campuses in other states and told trustees it could front start-up costs via the management organization. District reviewers judged Gateway's application "partially developed" and sought more local board membership detail, more local partnerships and clearer curriculum alignment for transfer back to a comprehensive district school if students return. Trustees asked for stronger evidence of board and local governance in Colorado.
District and DAC reviews: For each applicant trustees received the district's technical review and the DAC's advisory recommendations. Spruce and East Hills both received mostly strong reviews in the DAC materials; Gateway received a mixed review and staff asked for more local governance details. Trustees asked for follow-up answers on staffing plans for special needs and MC Kinney-Vento supports, audit and reporting timelines, and facilities contingencies.
Why it matters: Charter authorizations change district enrollment, facilities planning, and the district's portfolio of schools. Trustees said they will consider staff follow-ups and the district's contract language should an authorization be granted.
Next steps: Trustees asked applicants to provide additional documentation and clarifications; the three charter items were scheduled to return for action at upcoming board meetings subject to staff follow-up.
