Area school districts besides SPS undecided on charter schools

Not all school districts are as sure about charter schools as Spokane Public Schools.

Spokane’s biggest district made history last week by becoming the first in the state to welcome a charter school.

The reasons: The district wanted to influence what kind of charter school opens in Spokane.

Leaders at Mead, Central Valley and East Valley school districts are taking a wait-and-see approach. “The board and the administration will consider whether there’s a need for a charter school in their district,” said Tom Rockefeller, superintendent of the Mead School District. “There are discussions forthcoming, but no decisions have been made.” It’s the same in Spokane Valley.

“The Central Valley School District, in cooperation with our neighboring Valley school districts, has many programs and educational opportunities available to our students,” CV Superintendent Ben Small said. “And, we continue to explore new and innovative ways to expand our services to kids.”

East Valley’s superintendent thinks state law already allows districts to be innovative enough, so there’s really no need for a charter. “We are not going to apply,” East Valley Superintendent John Glenewinkel said. “I have the fear that the charter school movement is going to create a situation of have and have-nots. That’s not what we need. I still believe under state law we can create the collaborations and innovations we need for our students.”

Jody Lawrence-Turner