While recognizing the progress the school has made, and the challenges the school has overcome, the SRC decided that it was not enough to renew the charter for the next five years.
“I want the staff to understand that this is the beginning of the process, not the end,” said Commissioner Wendell Pritchett, which was reiterated by chairman Bill Green and commissioner Feather Houstoun. Commissioner Sylvia Simms voted to keep it open, and Farah Jimenez recused herself due to a conflict.
“Leaders and staff of New Media Technology Charter School has demonstrated over the years that we are a school of accountability, transparency and we work to overcome challenges,” states Rueben Mills, CEO of New Media Technology Charter School. “We are ready to accept this challenge, work to resolve the concerns and do what is necessary to continue providing a quality education to the New Media Technology Charter School scholars, and show the SRC that we can indeed be a high-performing educational institute.”
Four stakeholders provided testimony during the SRC meeting to support the renewal of the charter for NMTCS, citing the tremendous changes and improvement that occurred over the last school year. Other than the recommendation of the Charter Schools Office, no testimony was provided to support the non-renewal.
“As we work through the appeals process, the Board will ensure that New Media Technology Charter School continues on the path of improvement, “ states Board President, Wanda Bailey-Green. “We are already addressing all of the concerns cited in the report, and plan to have all items addressed and improvement plans in place by the start of the 2014-15 school year.”
The school will open its doors as usual in September, as the appeals process can take up to two years. “I can’t imagine a scenario that would have us closing a school in the middle of the year,” said Green.
New Media Technology Charter School will remain open and fully operational throughout the appeals process.