Twice in two weeks, a few parents and Director Tricia Cossick have met to ponder an important question: Should Our Children's Center Montessori apply for a kindergarten "charter school"?
Now first off, what is a charter school? Pennsylvania and many other states have supported school choice by providing tuition dollars to schools -- called "charter schools" -- whose methods and operations are different from the public school at large. In our case, OCC Montessori kindergarten is certainly different from the State College kindergarten, and so we could apply to be a "charter school".
The advantage is clear: the tuition dollars walk with the student, meaning that OCC kindergarten would have no tuition. That also provides extra stability for the school. But of course, nothing is free. Not only is the application a fair bit of work, but when the school district provides money, they also add regulations and paperwork. Special types of teaching certificates, additional building codes, and other regulations would enter OCC doors.
Where do the conversations stand now? First off, the discussions have been very firm on one point: There will be no change to who we are as a Montessori community, and the Montessori teaching principles will not be sacrificed one bit.
Right now some big questions before us are these: 1) Will the regulations enable us to continue providing a Montessori education in the OCC community? If not, a charter is the wrong path. 2) When we charter, we become a "public school". How are admissions to the school handled? That will be a subject of a soon-to-come blog. 3) Should we apply for a K-only charter, or K-3 or even K-6? 4) For teachers who have changed the entire building just over a year ago, how much change is possible or good? 5) When to apply? The deadline is in November, and so this year is out. But we could apply for next year.
We hope that you'll participate in the conversation, perhaps in future meetings and perhaps by commenting on this blog. If you can help -- perhaps you know regulations or people or examples -- let Tricia know and she will pass it on, or come to a meeting. There are of course many concerns and complexities, and we'll continue to discuss those as a community and put them online.
Together as parents, we will make the best decision for the key participants -- our children. We will be moving our meeting times to the evenings to include more parents and staff and will let you know when the next meeting is, as soon as we know.
Darrell Velegol (Lauren's Dad)
Associate Professor (Charter Team Member)
Department of Chemical Engineering
The Pennsylvania State University (OCC)
12 comments:
Thank you Darrell for beginning this conversation with our families. All successful private and charter schools have a strong, vocal group of parents willing to work for the future of the school. I believe its time for us to talk about the future and where we want to be in five years, even ten year down the road. Please join us in these crucial conversations, we can't do it without YOU!
I was so glad to read this. It's too late for my own family, because Jack is already in Kindergarten at OCC, but I think it's an important next step for OCC to take, as long as the restrictions imposed by being a charter school do not interfere significantly with OCC's mission and (Montessori) philosophy.
Thank you for stepping up to the plate, Darrell!
Thank you so much for beginning this conversation. State College is long over due for a Montessori grade school. I know April and I would love to see Kealan be able to continue at OCC through 6th grade and maybe even high school. I think the community response would/will be overwhelming.
I am so glad to see this topic being discussed. I too think that offering a Montessori grade school is something that would be very well received in State College and would be a wonderful thing for our community and children.
As a mother of a trio between 3 and 4 years of age, I will be absolutely delighted to see my girls continue their education in such a nurturing and open environment. I will be glad to exchange thoughts and ideas about this subject (I am very interested!). I would also love to learn more about charter schools, since all the details of what the change will do to the current OCC setup are not clear to me.
Felisa and all,
I understand what you are saying about not having a clear idea of what the changes might be. The Charter Team will to its best to determine what will need to change if we become a charter school.
We know we will need to provide (hot?) lunches. Do we bring in catered lunches that meet federal guidelines, do we remodel to have a certified kitchen and hire someone to prepare meals?
Will we need to hire additional business staff to do the paperwork and accounting that comes with PA state monies?
Those are two areas of concern but I know there will be other questions to be answered.
This is an exciting idea! We are looking forward to learning more about chartering here at OCC.
The bottom line is the longer I can keep my child in OCC, the better! I look forward to learning more and assisting in any way I can.
Harrison's Dad, Jesse Trahan
I agree with everyone that the idea of a charter elementary school is great! One thing that needs to happen is that we need to contact the school board to get approval and we need to show community support. Are there people in the OCC community that can do this?
I thought I might list some online resources that have helped me to better understand some PA charter school basics.
PA Dept. of Ed.
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/charter_schools/site/default.asp
PA Coalition of Charter Schools
http://www.pachartercoalition.com/
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
http://www.publiccharters.org/
PA Charter School Websites
http://www.edreform.com/charter_schools/websites/pennsylvania.html
Also…
American Montessori Society on Montessori Public Schools
http://www.amshq.org/schools_public.htm#
JP's Mom - Michelle
I just want to say how happy I am that we are taking the first step towards a charter school, that is opening it up for discussion. Our family was blessed to have the experience of a Pre-K-12th grade montessori school in Colorado. We were able to see the amazing experience that all aged children have through Montessori education. We look forward to being a part of the process.
Thanks - Lisa & Mike Gooseff
I am hoping that this process includes dreaming BIG and expanding OCC to include elementary school grades! Hint Hint!
I would like to suggest that the committee consider looking at or contacting Pennmont in Altoona even if it is just for insight about the history of its growth because of its obvious proximity to OCC and similar beginnings and history. Its roots of growth are similar to OCC's in that it was a small, well respected and established montessori preschool that rented space in a church for many years in downtown Altoona.
Even if the path of OCC's future is not intended to be entirely the same, and times, regulations and considerations have certainly changed, it may be worthwhile to invite the insight of those who have already done some of what OCC wants to accomplish, or ask to tour Pennmont, or consider seeking the insight within OCC's committee.
Some of Pennmont's "founding families," from during the time of its expansion, still live locally and are grandparents of children who now attend Pennmont.
Over the last 4 years, OCC has enriched our family's life in so many ways and has grown from a school that was already wonderful and built on that in ways that are visible and beneficial to children as well as teachers and parents while also keeping, what seems to me, a strong hold on the core mission through the eyes and direction of teachers at OCC who have shaped its history over the years. I just think the whole idea of continuing on in this way is very exciting!
Maggie Biddle
Grace and Jane's Mom
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