Michelle Rountree asks New Haven caucus for support to open all-girls charter school; caucus votes to send letter
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Summary
Michelle Rountree presented a plan to open an all-girls charter school (the Luminary Academy) in New Haven, told the caucus she needs 120 community support letters and described administrative hurdles; the Black and Hispanic Caucus voted to send her a letter of support.
Michelle Rountree, who identified herself as the founder and executive director of the Luminary Academy, asked the Black and Hispanic Caucus on April 2026 to send a formal letter of support for her effort to open an all-girls charter school in New Haven.
Rountree told members that demand is high — “every single charter school seat we have, there are 7 girls applying for 1 seat,” she said — and that community backing is a required part of the charter application process. She said she needs 120 letters of support and that the legislative session affecting potential funding decisions runs through May 6.
Rountree described the school’s mission as culturally rooted and trauma-responsive, citing a tri-leadership model and integrated clinical services. She told the caucus the Luminary Academy was incorporated in 2025 and that its 501(c)(3) status is finalized, but that administrative steps remain: she said she is awaiting a designation letter approved March 12 and is unable to complete SAM.gov registration and accept donations until outstanding administrative processing is resolved.
“I'm not going to wait regardless of whatever decision they make,” Rountree said, describing the work as her life’s purpose and saying she is already building a team and enrollment pipeline she estimates at 120 students.
Caucus members asked for clarification about the formal support requested. The chair and others explained that letters may come from local residents, businesses or management teams across neighboring towns because charter funding is a state-level allocation that follows enrolled students. Members urged Rountree to gather management and community letters and offered practical advice on grant writing and fundraising.
After discussion, a committee member moved that the caucus send a letter of support to Rountree; the motion was seconded and the caucus approved the request by voice vote. Members agreed that staff would prepare the letter and that Rountree would follow up with participants by email.
What happens next: caucus members and interested community supporters may provide letters of support; Rountree said an RFP decision could affect the timeline but that she plans to proceed with organizing and fundraising regardless.
