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Board votes to end New Horizons' charter designation; program to continue as district alternative program

Shorewood School Board

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Summary

After a DPI review, the board voted to discontinue New Horizons' charter status and continue the program under district authority. Administrators said the change will not affect day-to-day programming, staffing or funding, but will shift reporting/labeling of students.

The Shorewood School Board voted to end New Horizons’ designation as a charter school and to continue the program as a district‑operated alternative education program.

Administrators said the Department of Public Instruction reviewed New Horizons’ five‑year renewal application and advised that the program more closely resembles an alternative‑education program than an independently governed charter. Tim, a program leader, described New Horizons’ origins (opening in February 2005) and its role as an experiential, hands‑on option for students who need a different pathway to meet graduation requirements. He said “it doesn't change the experience for our students in any ways” and that staffing and graduation expectations remain the same.

District staff confirmed the program's funding will remain within the building budget and that reporting lines will shift so New Horizons students are reflected under Shorewood High School in certain state reports; administrators estimated approximately 22 students will be moved to the high‑school enrollment count for reporting purposes.

Board members asked about testing, state reporting and the administrative steps required to notify DPI; administrators said board minutes indicating the motion suffice for DPI filing and staff are coordinating communications with students, families and staff. The board approved a motion to close New Horizons as a charter school and to continue it as a district program.

What happens next: the district will provide internal communications and a filing to DPI reflecting the board's action; classroom operations and student supports were described as unchanged by the administrators.