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Statewide Charter School Board approves 10-year renewals for Oklahoma Youth Academy and The Academies of Oklahoma
Summary
The Statewide Charter School Board approved 10-year renewal terms for Oklahoma Youth Academy Charter School and The Academies of Oklahoma on June 8, 2026; the board also approved the Oklahoma Youth Academy charter contract. The Academies’ request for an additional site was discussed but not approved at this meeting.
The Statewide Charter School Board voted June 8 to grant 10-year renewal terms to two charter operators, approving a contract for Oklahoma Youth Academy Charter School and a 10-year renewal for The Academies of Oklahoma.
Skyler Lusnia, director of school performance for the Statewide Charter School Board, told members that Oklahoma Youth Academy had submitted a letter of intent and scored high enough to qualify for a letter-based renewal. Executive Director Rebecca Wilkinson recommended a 10-year term, citing that the school serves incarcerated students and that staff visits indicated the program was operating effectively under difficult circumstances. Bill Pearson moved to approve the 10-year renewal for Oklahoma Youth Academy; Courtney Anderson seconded. The motion passed with all members present voting yes (two members were absent).
The board also approved the Oklahoma Youth Academy charter contract, which included school-specific language and the approved 10-year term. Jared Buswell moved to approve the contract; Bill Pearson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously among members present.
The Academies of Oklahoma requested a 10-year renewal and described plans for an additional site in Canadian County planned for 2027 or 2028. Superintendent Wren Hawthorne told the board the chain has secured over $11 million in recent grant support and described student academic performance. After discussion and guidance from counsel about agenda language, the board rescinded an initial motion that attempted to approve both the term and the site, and instead voted to approve only the 10-year renewal term. Damon Gardenhire moved for the 10-year renewal, Bill Pearson seconded, and the motion carried with all present voting yes.
Board members discussed the implications of longer contract terms and emphasized the need for strengthened accountability and oversight for multi-year renewals. The board did not vote to approve the Academies’ proposed additional school site at this meeting.
The board adjourned at 2:52 p.m.; the renewals take effect under the terms of the board-approved contracts and the administrative steps outlined in each charter document.
