MontCo delays charter school decision | Examiner Staff Writer | Education | Washington Examiner

MontCo delays charter school decision | Examiner Staff Writer | Education | Washington Examiner

Montgomery County school officials on Thursday delayed a vote on what would be the county's first charter school until the school's sponsors can resolve concerns about enrollment.The Board of Education voted to postpone the decision on the Community Montessori Charter School proposed by Crossway Community while some logistics are worked out. The proposed Seneca Creek Charter School -- which emphasized using the environment to provide a hands-on learning experience -- was rejected.Seneca Creek presented an "interesting concept" that was only "loosely thought out," said Board Vice President Shirley Brandman. Among the board's concerns were inadequate facilities, the absence of hot lunch options and a lack of contingency plans for bad weather.The board's main concern with Crossway Community's proposal was the school's "catchment area" -- the geographic region within which students are eligible to apply. The area was not defined before the meeting.Board member Laura Berthiaume said a small catchment area could limit the diversity of the students eligible to apply.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/education/2011/07/montco-delays-charter-school-decision#ixzz1RTujZuZu