The State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction may close Grandfather Academy, a charter school that provides educational and mental health services to severely abused and traumatized children. These are kids that cannot function in a traditional school setting.
Because the school targets a very specific student population in northwestern Carolina, their enrollment typically falls below the 50 student minimum. The state is threatening to revoke their charter for this infraction. The current Grandfather Academy charter is valid until 2017.
The Department of Public Instruction allowed school officials to present a plan for reaching or exceeding the 50 student minimum. Grandfather Academy officials responded with a polite “Are you kidding me?” letter. Good for them.
The NC General Statutes state, “The State Board and the charter school are encouraged to make a good‑faith attempt to resolve the differences that may arise between them.” I hope that good-faith prevails.
