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June 22, 2010

Highlander School Gets 3 Year Extension

Marc Comtois

As reported by ProJo

The public outcry over the fate of popular Highlander Charter School registered with state education officials, who Tuesday reversed an earlier recommendation to close the school next year unless it showed dramatic improvement and instead granted the school a three-year extension.

Highlander supporters said after the meeting that they were relieved the original recommendation was abandoned, but were disappointed the K-8 school was not granted the customary five-year extension permitted under state law.

The arguments made by the school's supporters swayed the Board of Regents and Education Commissioner Deborah Gist.
"We really listened to the feedback that we got, not only from the families but from the leadership of the school and from each of you," Gist said. "I met with the League of Charter Schools and ... with Rose Mary and her board chair and through all of those conversations, really got a better understanding of some of the things people had concerns about in the original recommendations."
I'm glad they extended. Based on Andrew's analysis, it seems like Highlander is getting some things right and deserves more time.

Comments

I agree Marc. It's good to see that the commissioner will listen. This is clearly good news for the students who attend Highlander.

Posted by: mikeinri at June 22, 2010 3:33 PM

If you want to see just how dirty the public unions were willing to get over this issue, check out:
www.beefwithangus.com

It's hosted by RIFuture contributor Ben Jones, likely paid by Pat Crowley or some other union thug. It doesn't get much more pathetic and cowardly than this.

Posted by: Dan at June 22, 2010 4:58 PM