Within 90 days, the board will uphold the decision or order for the school board to sign the charter. Once the charter has been approved and signed, the real challenge of opening the school begins. This includes hiring teachers, enrolling students and finalizing all details relating to the location and structure of the school. Once open, the charter school has 3-5 years to meet its performance standards as agreed upon by the school board and charter team. This criteria will determine whether or not the school's charter is renewed or denied.
Charter schools are important for two reasons.
First, students who are enrolling in charter schools around the country are experiencing a variety of learning environments. This is most significant for those children who haven't succeeded in other kinds of public schools. It gives them a new opportunity to thrive and succeed. Second, charters raise the stakes for overall quality performance by public schools. It is exciting to see that in some states, the charter concept is becoming a catalyst for change and risk-taking in the public school system.