Montgomery County school officials on Thursday delayed a vote on what would be the county’s first charter school until the school’s sponsors can resolve concerns about enrollment. The Board of Education voted to postpone the decision on the Community Montessori Charter School proposed by Crossway Community while some logistics are worked out. The proposed Seneca Creek Charter School — which emphasized using the environment to provide a hands-on learning experience — was rejected.
Seneca Creek presented an “interesting concept” that was only “loosely thought out,” said Board Vice President Shirley Brandman. Among the board’s concerns were inadequate facilities, the absence of hot lunch options and a lack of contingency plans for bad weather.
The board’s main concern with Crossway Community’s proposal was the school’s “catchment area” — the geographic region within which students are eligible to apply. The area was not defined before the meeting.
Board member Laura Berthiaume said a small catchment area could limit the diversity of the students eligible to apply.
The idea that some county residents won’t be able to benefit from the charter school is a “game changer,” said Janis Sartucci, a member of the Parents’ Coalition of Montgomery County. She said students from all over the county should be eligible to apply. In other states, charter school catchment areas have inspired battles over which district gets the school, she said. She urged the board to hold a public hearing on the issue.
Board member Judith Docca expressed concerns about the lottery process that would be used if applications exceeded the school’s capacity.
Crossway Community’s proposal described a weighted lottery that would benefit lower-income students, but Judy Bresler, attorney for Montgomery County Public Schools, said such a lottery would not be legal.
Crossway Community Executive Director Kathleen Guinan said she is confident her organization will be able to resolve the outstanding issues before the board’s July 25 vote.
