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Board committee approves charter-school policy with minimum 3% fee; public commenter raises concerns about mission
Summary
The committee approved policy 9501, updating charter-school language to require a minimum 3% administrative charge in line with state law. Public commenter Quinton Claybon urged clarity about whether the district still views charters as serving underserved students.
The committee approved policy 9501 (charter schools) after administration revised the language to require that charter schools be charged ‘‘no less than 3%’’ in administrative fees, ‘‘in accordance with state law.’’ The motion to approve passed on a 4–0 roll call.
Why it matters: Charter-school policy defines the district's relationship with charter operators, including fees and the stated purpose of chartering. Public concern about whether the district still endorses chartering for underserved students framed the public comment.
Public comment and data: Quinton Claybon, a commenter, asked whether the board had changed its stance on charter schools and flagged three substantive changes he said stood out in the draft: the 3% administrative fee, removal of language characterizing district chartering as focused on underserved students, and deletion of a statement that the board ‘‘encourages the establishment of charter schools as vehicles to support improvement of the academic achievement of pupils of MPS.’’ Claybon cited recent assessment data, noting that among schools that outperformed expectations on 2025 state assessments relative to poverty, 11 were charter schools and that several of those are leaving the district this summer. He urged a robust district discussion about the policy's implications for current and future charters.
Administration response: Pette Chambers, chief adviser, said administration adjusted the fee language to specify a minimum 3% charge and noted the change was aligned with state law. The administration recommended approval; no substantive change was made at this meeting beyond the language clarification about fees.
Action taken: Director O'Halerin moved to approve the policy as attached; the committee adopted it on a unanimous 4–0 vote.
Quotes: "Most of the changes in this policy appear to be tidying up, but three major changes stand out," public commenter Quinton Claybon said, urging clarity on the district's stance. "There will be no less than 3% charged," administration stated regarding the fee language.
Next steps: The revised policy will return to the full board as the recommended text. The public comment record will be part of the packet and community members asked for further public discussion about the policy's intent and impact on existing charter schools.
Closing: No legislative or financial changes were made beyond the policy wording; the committee's approval advances the policy toward full board consideration.
