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Tigard‑Tualatin board denies ARCO charter expansion, citing finances and limited local support
Summary
The Tigard‑Tualatin School District Board denied ARCO’s application to open a second campus in the district, citing unclear financial stability, potential adverse impacts on district programs and limited demonstrated support from district families and students.
The Tigard‑Tualatin School District Board of Directors voted to deny ARCO IRIS Charter School’s application to open a new campus in the district on Oct. 6, 2025. The board’s motion, made under state law and district policy, passed with four yes votes and one abstention.
The board’s written and oral analysis said the applicant did not demonstrate sustainable financial stability for a new location, identified risks that recurring rent and facility costs would rely on one‑time grant funding, and showed limited evidence of support from current TTSD families and students. Assistant Superintendent Lisa McCall presented the district’s review of the application and the nine criteria the board must apply under state law.
Why it matters: A denial prevents ARCO from opening a second campus in the district and preserves current district enrollment and budget assumptions. Board members said they were especially concerned about relying on one‑time grants to cover ongoing facility rent and about the apparent lack of demonstrated interest from TTSD parents and students.
Board members who spoke during the discussion noted that ARCO runs a financially stable school in its existing location but that the applicant’s expansion plan lacked clear, recurring revenue to cover a larger rent obligation. Several directors also said the spreadsheet of community signatures submitted by the applicant was overwhelmingly from ARCO’s existing community rather than from prospective TTSD families.
Board action: Director Hyman moved to deny the application; Vice Chair Irvin seconded. The motion passed 4–0 with one abstention. A board member earlier identified as Director Miles recused herself from participation and later registered an abstention.
What the board cited in the denial: financial sustainability concerns; potential adverse impact on TTSD programs if enrollment shifted; and insufficient, demonstrable local support from parents, students or staff in Tigard‑Tualatin.
The district referenced ORS 338.055 and district policy LBE‑AR in its review and recommendation.
The board completed the item and moved on to subsequent business.
