A new charter school could be in operation in Durant as soon as the 2018-19 school year.
The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board announced Friday that it received a proposal from Team HOYAS, a faith-based organization in Durant that exists to improve the quality of life of individuals in underserved communities. The organization, like the nine other who expressed interest around the state, has not operated a charter school before.
Charter schools are operated by private, nonprofit groups using taxpayer dollars.
Mississippi allows such schools to open without permission from the local school board in districts that have an academic rating of "D'' or "F."
Durant Public School District, who most recently graded as a D, will face involuntary consolidation with Holmes County School District, who graded an F, after the passage of House Bill 926 by the Mississippi Legislature last year.
Other Charter Schools that were proposed to the MCSAB include two new schools in the Jackson School District along with schools in Canton, Clarksdale, Columbus, Drew, Greenwood and Magnolia.
The proposed Argie Peters Logan STEM Academy in Durant would serve grades 1-3. A Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) school uses a curriculum that focuses on science and technology development.
“The instructional focus at Argie Peters Logan STEM Academy is to educate at a foundational reading and writing level,” school organizer Phelix Logan said in his application. “This foundation prepares students to meet the challenges of the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. This will be achieved with a hands-on approach using project-based activities. The main instructional educational focus will be student-centered.”
All groups must submit full applications by May 9 containing educational, financial and operational plans. Some are likely to drop out along the way or be cut later for incomplete plans. The board is scheduled to vote on proposals Sept. 11, after reviewing applications.
However, the Mississippi process has heavily favored experienced operators in the past after startup groups have had trouble proving that they have the adequate funding and institutional support to run a school that meets the states standards.
Currently only four charter schools have been approved in Mississippi, all of which are in Jackson. Three are currently in operation serving approximately 500 children, while another is scheduled to open next year.
