Administrators

CMU Opens Charter App Window

Home  Administrators  CMU Opens Charter App Window 

CMU opens charter app window - Closes March 18, 2010

For Immediate Release
January 25. 2010

Contact: Penny Davis
(517) 364-9600

CMU Launches Competitive Charter Application Process

Phase I applications due by March 18, 2010

The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University today launched its first competitive charter application process since the enactment of the new "Schools of Excellence" legislation signed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on January 4.

This new bi-partisan law, spearheaded by Senator Buzz Thomas (D) Detroit, provides many unique chartering opportunities and employs a revolutionary "Smart Cap" approach to expanding high performing charter schools. Also included in the legislation are opportunities for the formation of two new cyber schools and 10 new "innovation" schools.

"This new legislation provides students and parents greater educational options and encourages high performing school operators to come to Michigan and replicate their success," said Jim Goenner, executive director, The Center for Charter Schools. "We look forward to the opportunities this new legislation presents and using the experience and expertise we have developed to create more great schools for more children - especially those in greatest need."

Applications for Phase I of the competitive application process will be accepted through March 18, 2010.

"Central Michigan University boldly became the state's first university authorizer back in 1994 and since that time we have researched, implemented and refined the way charter schools operate and authorizers oversee and support the schools they charter," added Goenner. "Through the years, each application cycle has yielded more creative and quality applications. I anticipate this cycle will bring in even more promising proposals."

As Michigan's leading authorizer, CMU is looking for applications that demonstrate a promising vision, a quality academic program, and a sound business plan, along with the ability to successfully launch and operate a school that will passionately pursue excellence for all children.

The application can be downloaded from the Center home page at: www.TheCenterForCharters.org.

CMU became the first university in the nation to charter a school in 1994. Today, CMU is the largest authorizer in Michigan and the largest university-authorizer in the nation - chartering 58 public schools, serving more than 30,000 schoolchildren.

# # #