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Statement from Jeremy Resnick, Executive Director, Propel Schools
Friday, February 20, 2004
Contact: Jeremy Resnick
412-323-1201, ext. 100
412-726-4066 (cell phone)
KENNEDY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (February 20, 2004) — Jeremy Resnick, executive director, Propel Schools, issued the following statement today following the Montour School Board’s decision last night not to approve Propel Schools’ application to open a K-6 charter school in the Montour School District, beginning in the 2004-2005 school year:
"We are very disappointed with the school board’s decision. It’s not completely unexpected when a school board votes down a charter school application, but we believe Propel’s application met all of the requirements for approval included in the state’s charter school law. We gave the Montour board a quality program; a quality team; a suitable facility; and ample evidence of support."
"We are particularly disappointed that the school board ignored the wishes of the families of the 200 children who have already pre-enrolled at Propel Charter School-Montour for this coming school year. These families were looking for a new choice for their children next fall. They repeatedly told the board in a collective voice that they wanted this option for their children and they wanted it soon."
"This is not the end of the road for Propel Charter School-Montour. Propel is committed to working with the parents who want this school to make it a reality. We’re sorry that the board has chosen to fight rather than work constructively. But tonight’s vote will not deter us from our ultimate goal."
"The Montour board must explain, in writing, its reasons for not approving the application. Propel will closely examine those reasons and decide on a course of action. We have a number of options, including filing a formal appeal to the Pennsylvania Charter Schools Appeal Board."
Propel Schools opened its first elementary school in the Steel Valley School District in September 2003 following a successful appeal of that district’s rejection of Propel’s charter school application in late 2002.
Propel is currently appealing the McKeesport Area School Board’s November 2003 rejection of its application to open a K-6 school in McKeesport. Propel’s schools will eventually include K-8.
For more information on Propel Schools, a non-profit organization, please visit www.propelschools.org.
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