Desert Messenger is your local connection for news, events, and entertainment!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/54098
February 1, 2012 Scholars'Academy appeals denied charter Quartzsite - Monday, January 23rd, the Scholars' Academy went before the Arizona State Board for Charters seeking early renewal of its charter contract for 20 years. The original charter was for 15 years. The renewal request was denied. In a press release issued Friday Prin- cipal Steve McClenning said, "The reason for denial was due to a trend of declining test scores over the past few years." The school is appealing the decision. The school will submit a performance management plan to improve the aca- demic performance of students on the 10th grade AIMS test. Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) is a standardized test admin- istered by the state of Arizona. "The faculty and staff have worked diligently to try and reverse the trend of declining test scores. During this same time frame, the graduation rate has increased and the school contin- ues to produce outstanding gradu- ates," said McClenning. Scholars' board member, Kevin Cush- man, spoke before the State Board, stating a long list of concerns with the school, including the decline of AIMS scores of the past 5 years, too many students attending from Blythe, Calif., excess tardies and other complaints. Got something to share? Birth, Obituary, Anniversary, Wedding, etc. A FREE Service of Desert Messenger. Call 541-218-2560 www.DesertMessenger.com Most of the State Board members stated their reasons before they voted. One member voted to give the school another chance based on the lack of education options for high school stu- dents in Quartzsite. But all the other members voted to deny the renewal based on many factors. Over the past two years, state regu- lators have reviewed 78 of Arizona's original charter-school operators, the first to be granted 15-year contracts to create privately run public schools funded with state and federal money. Arizona has 390 charter-school opera- tors running 515 schools. After evaluating 78 charter school op- erators, state regulators placed 27 on probation and four were denied new contracts. That means greater than one-third of those schools had failing performance rates. "The Scholars' Academy has a year left on the original contract and will continue to operate and provide a quality educational choice to the chil- dren of this community," said Mr. Mc- Clenning. "The State Board needs to hear from the community." Please make comments online at Arizo- na State Board for Charter Schools web- site www.asbcs.az.gov contact the school for information at 928-927-9420. Wayne's Pet Service Need someone to take care of your pet(s), in your home, while away? REASONABLE RATES! Call 928-927-4329 NEW LOCATION! IN STOCK BANNERS in 24 HOURS! 1015 N. McQueen Rd. Suite 167 Gilbert, AZ 85233 888-212-5566 Tyson Wells Row B 877-483-5747 Fax: 1-602-457-5026 Email: chris@tekrispower.com Chris Hanrahan www.tekris.com INVERTER CHARGER SOLUTIONS Authorized Sales & Service Calling all chili cooks! Is your chili the tastiest? Enter for a chance to win in the Quartzsite Chil cook-off on Sat. March 3rd. This fund- raiser for the AZ Centennial will be held at Town Park! Be part of this cooking phenomenon. And, if your chili is award-winning, you'll even receive a year's worth of bragging rights along with cash prizes! For more information, download rules and registration forms visit www.QuartzsiteRocks.com. Experienced HANDYMAN Residential and RV Plumbing & Electrical Service & Repair. Minor Carpentry & Yard Work. All Work Guaranteed - FREE Estimates! Call Bud 928-583-3905 Page 3 Show her she's special! Valentine's Day Dinner & Show at MAIN STREET EATERY One performance only Tues. February 14th Appetizers @ 5pm Dinner @ 6pm. Show @ 7pm Price includes dinner, beverages, dessert, show, tips & tax APPEARING: Bob Denbo with "The Keynotes" You WILL be entertained! Brought to you by DENMORE ENTERTAINMENT We bring the best music in western Arizona! Advance Reservation & Tickets are Required Phone 928-927-4163