3. Ten new charter schools share $1.5 million

Ten new charter schools each will receive $150,000 grants to support their first year of operation, according to an announcement from State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster.

"Charter schools offer comprehensive elementary and secondary educational programs that provide alternative opportunities for our students," Burmaster said. "When a community opens a charter school, the authorizing agency evaluates how it can best meet local needs and provide a curriculum that increases learning for all students and helps close the achievement gap."

The 10 new charter schools receiving federal initial implementation grants operate under five chartering authorities in four Wisconsin communities (Barron, De Pere, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan). See http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_72.pdf for the complete list. The schools will open for the 2007-08 school year.

The Department of Public Instruction anticipates that approximately 50 new charter schools will open during the coming school year. Wisconsin is in the third year of a $52-million, three-year federal competitive grant to expand the number of charter schools in the state.

Charter schools are independently governed public schools that are accountable to their authorizing agency for performance measures included in the charter contract. The autonomy of a charter school allows for exemptions from some state or local rules. However, charter schools are required to employ licensed teachers, ensure parental involvement, administer statewide tests, and comply with federal regulations that govern all public schools.

More information: http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_72.pdf

Last updated on 8/20/2007