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Potential Charter School Operator In Town Visiting

By Inggrid Yonata

ROCKFORD -  The Rockford Charter School Initiative group met with the operator likely to be the first to open a brand new educational concept in Rockford. 13 News learned that Chicago International Charter Schools came to town Tuesday for a tour.

Students in District 205 could soon have more options when it comes to their education. That is, if a new type of schooling gets board approval.   RJ McMahon, from the Chicago International Charter School said, "Students today really need a sense of success because the hard work may not be worth it if you can't enjoy success early on."  That sense of success begins with choosing a school system that works.

Laurie Preece, a volunteer Executive Director for the Rockford Charter School Initiative said they're talking to a number of operators.   Some of them focus on alternative learning, dealing with "high risk" and "drop out students."

The toughest challenge is to find good sites.  At this point there are three potential locations: the Abilities Center, the former K's Merchandise spot and Eigerlab.  Another possibility is the 7th Street area.  "We like this area," Preece said. "Part of rejuvenation has to do with public education.  It's a great contributor. And we feel that this part of the community is ripe for some Charter schooling activity."

Each interested charter school operator must submit a proposal to the Rockford School Board.  "The school board has said they're open to charter proposals," Preece explained.

The plan is to have a charter school open by fall of 2009. But the main goal is to keep Rockford schools moving forward.   "One of the exciting things is that this as a new era.  For many years we have one kind of school," Preece said.   

Chicago International Charter School Director of External Affairs added, "We've been around since 1997, and we feel we can do this. And with the interest in Rockford, we feel we'd be a very good partner to bring educational options to Rockford."

Preece expects the School Board to make a decision by next January, which gives the charter school operator about 8 months to be ready for school.