Public forum on new Phila. charter policy Tuesday Philadelphia Inquirer 10/17/2009:
"The Philadelphia School Reform Commission and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman will hold a public forum Tuesday evening to hear comments on a controversial proposed policy on charter school expansions.
The amendment drafted by the district would allow charter schools to apply to add grades and expand enrollment only when their operating charter is up for renewal - generally every five years.
Currently, the commission considers requests from charters on an ad hoc basis and has no policy for evaluating them. The commission has approved changes before a charter is up for renewal.
The district's proposal would require charter schools seeking expansion to demonstrate strong academic performance, successful management, and good financial track records. The charters would also have to show that their facilities could accommodate the requested changes.
The proposal has galvanized opposition from the city's charter community."
"The Philadelphia School Reform Commission and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman will hold a public forum Tuesday evening to hear comments on a controversial proposed policy on charter school expansions.
The amendment drafted by the district would allow charter schools to apply to add grades and expand enrollment only when their operating charter is up for renewal - generally every five years.
Currently, the commission considers requests from charters on an ad hoc basis and has no policy for evaluating them. The commission has approved changes before a charter is up for renewal.
The district's proposal would require charter schools seeking expansion to demonstrate strong academic performance, successful management, and good financial track records. The charters would also have to show that their facilities could accommodate the requested changes.
The proposal has galvanized opposition from the city's charter community."