Yes, this all-boys charter would admit girls…
More on the charter school debate in Rockford, Ill., where the proponent predicts a sign-up list from “here to Canada.” (Actually, boys are doing just as badly in Canada, so you might want to cross that border.)
From the article:
Sigma Beta ‘just asking for an opportunity’
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By Cathy Bayer
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jun 01, 2009 @ 11:00 PM
Last update Jun 02, 2009 @ 06:18 AM
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ROCKFORD - All seven members of the Rockford School Board were present at the second attempt at a public hearing for Sigma Beta Leadership Charter School.
At the last scheduled public hearing May 22, the board lacked a quorum when only three board members were present. That forced the board to reschedule the public meeting to today.
The crowd in the board room applauded today with the announcement that a quorum was present.
“All of us are happy to be here now,” Patrick Hardy said during the meeting, trying to shift the focus from the last scheduled hearing. “We can move beyond that conversation.”
Hardy, a former Rockford School District administrator, is CEO of Sigma Beta. At the hearing, he told stories of his childhood and what inspired him to start this school - in part, the fact that his father was abusive, so he learned how to be violent, disrespect women and not value education.
Hardy straightened out and wants to help straighten out other students - better yet, prevent them from turning down the wrong path in the first place.
Law says the school, previously called an all-boys school, can’t restrict girls. But that doesn’t mean the program can’t be designed to attract boys to the school, Hardy said. “We will not shy away from the vision of this school.”
Hardy was asked how, if girls apply and are accepted, he would adapt the curriculum from the all-male model.
“I don’t know what there would be to adapt to. Physics is physics,” he said. “If and when a girl is accepted, you have to deal with that.”
The school would have its own extracurricular activities and clubs, but students - at least in the first year - would play for their neighborhood school’s athletic teams. With only sixth- and ninth-grade students in the school’s first year, it would be difficult to man an entire athletic team, Hardy said.
“We’re just asking for an opportunity to speak to a specific issue that we see in this community,” Hardy said. “If we fail, then you send us packing,” he said of the five-year charter length. “Give us the opportunity to lend voice to this challenge.”
Hardy made a bold prediction: “I believe our waiting list will be from here to Canada,” he said.
Board Vice President Harmon Mitchell praised Hardy’s optimism, but pointed out that already-approved charter school Legacy Academy of Excellence officials thought their enrollment numbers would be huge, but their numbers have been lower than expected.
“I just don’t see us having that problem,” Hardy said - and members in the audience responded: “I don’t either.”
Hardy’s confidence comes from the fact that it’s a local proposal.
During the public comment portion, several supporters spoke of friendships and college relationships with Hardy, and that’s a big reason why the proposed school has earned so much support.
“People know this man,” board member Jude Makulec said. “That makes a difference.”
To meet the diverse needs of students, diverse strategies must be used, said Karen Portis, Ellis Arts Academy teacher and more than 30-year educator.
“I can’t think of an easier vote that you have,” resident Doug Giloy said. “This is the easiest vote you’re ever going to make.”
Mike Gallagher, a Zion Development Corp. board member and CICS Rockford Charter School affiliate, commended the School Board on its choices so far, and encouraged the board to approve this proposal, as well.
“You’ve made a decision to provide real choice,” Gallagher said. “Our community needs as many choices as necessary to save our children.”
Reach staff writer Cathy Bayer at cbayer@rrstar.com or 815-987-1395.
Read all the charter proposals at the Rockford School District’s Web site, rps205.com.
Tags: boys charter
