This item provided the board an opportunity to approve the renewal of generation one open-enrollment charter schools. Authority for this action is the Texas Education Code, 12.101, 12.115, and 12.116. It was moved by Dr. Neill, seconded by Mr. Bradley, and carried unanimously to recommend that renewal of the charter to the sponsoring entities of American YouthWorks, Building Alternatives Charter School, and Texas Academy of Excellence be tabled. It was moved by Mr. Bradley, seconded by Dr. Neill, and carried unanimously to recommend for a contract of no less than five years Medical Center Charter School, North Hills Charter School, Pegasus Charter School, Seashore Learning Center, Ser-Ni os Charter School, University of Houston Charter School for Technology, Waco Charter School, and West Houston Charter School contingent upon approval of the contract by the State Board of Education. This item provided the board with an opportunity to discuss the activities of open-enrollment charter schools regarding operational and programmatic issues.
Action is requested on open-enrollment charter amendments that have been submitted.
In addition, this item provided the opportunity for the board to give direction to the agency regarding issues of concern related to the operation of charter schools. Authority for this action is the Texas Education Code, 12.101, 12.114-12.116, and 12.118. It was moved by Mr. Bradley, seconded by Mrs. Thornton, and carried unanimously to approve all requests as amended with the exception of the All Saints request that was tabled. A request to change the number of members of the board of trustees from five to three was withdrawn. Students may not accumulate more than 16 absences per calendar year or eight per semester that are not excused for medical or family emergencies.