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Harding Charter Prep seeks board support for second elementary to meet demand and secure $2M grant
Summary
Harding Charter Prep representatives told the board they have full funding to acquire a facility and want to open a second elementary in 2027; they requested an amended contract to apply for a $2 million charter growth grant that requires submission by March 31, and staff said a recommendation and action item would be required for approval.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Representatives from Harding Charter Prep requested board support to expand with a second elementary campus and asked the district to expedite any contract amendment needed to access a $2 million grant.
Jason Mack, acting charter schools coordinator, introduced Stephen Savanic of Harding, who said demand for seats is strong and that the network has an immediate need to create more kindergarten and early-elementary slots. "We request for you as a board to allow us to expand, to open a second elementary school in fall '27," Savanic said, clarifying the request timeline and the need to finalize documents quickly to meet a grant deadline.
Harding staff said they have funding available for facility acquisition and plan a teacher-apprenticeship model on the new campus to produce certified teachers. Savanic told the board an amended contract must be submitted by March 31 for one grant opportunity that would pay for furniture, technology, and startup expenses (not salaries).
Board staff said the item had been listed on the information agenda and that an action recommendation would be required for a vote; board members discussed the possibility of using a March 30 work session or a special meeting to approve an amended contract in time for the grant deadline.
The item remained informational on March 9; staff said they would work with the superintendent to prepare a recommendation and to identify feasible meeting dates if the district seeks to act before the grant deadline.
