The NC Public Charter School Advisory Council met October 16 and 17 to discuss several items.  The Council was asked to vote on extending Cape Lookout Marine Science High School’s charter for another four years. Originally, in January 2012, the State Board of Education (SBE) voted not to renew the charter.  This decision was challenged by the school in July 2012 but a judge upheld the SBE’s determination.  However, a condition was added that if the school made significant modifications, the Advisory Council could determine if the school could proceed as a viable charter school with the SBE having final approval. At this latest meeting, the Advisory Council ruled in a 12-1 vote that Cape Lookout’s charter would be extended for two years assuming no material findings were found in its 2011-12 audit.

The Advisory Council also discussed the future of virtual education.  Presentations were made by Drs. Terry Weeks and Joel Medley. The Council discussed potential virtual charter schools, funding issues, and possible accountability and oversight measures.

In addition, the charter school application rubric was reviewed and recommendations were made to the rubric so that it better aligned with the recently approved charter school application.

Finally, the SBE’s executive director, Martez Hill, provided insight on the LEA impact statement. He particularly stressed ways the SBE could promote all educational options for children while remaining fair to all public schools. He also mentioned how traditional public and public charter schools could collaborate and also requested suggestions for ways to improve and alleviate the tension between existing public school options.

The next Council meeting is scheduled December 10.