The Board found that the charter school's application assured compliance with the racial composition requirement of the charter school law and that early evidence from enrollment suggested that the school's active minority recruitment effort was effective. It added, however, that the mandate to comply with the racial requirement is placed on the school, and that the law does not require applicants to prove compliance before an application is approved. The Board considered a number other issues cited in the local board's decision, including constitutionality of the charter schools act and charter school responsibilities for children with special needs, and either reversed or remanded for reconsideration. The State Board announced its decision regarding the Trio School on July 9, following a public meeting during which the board heard from charter school applicants and supporters and local board officials. Today's order explains the issues considered by the Board in reaching its decision.
Charter schools receive public funds but are free from most state regulations.
Nielsen, secretary and executive officer of the State Board, is not a member of the State Board and does not vote on issues considered by the Board. She is a strong supporter of charter schools initiatives and was a leading proponent of the state's charter school law. The State Department of Education provides assistance to groups across the state who are interested in forming charter schools.