3/15/07

Charter School
S’ton group forms to explore ed options
By Brian Jarvis

The Summerton Planning Group (SPG) is exploring the possibility of establishing a charter school after receiving a $5,000 planning and implementation grant from the State Dept. of Education.

According to project director Ken Harvin, the movement began when parents, educators and members of the business community formed the SPG as a result of their dissatisfaction with public schools, where they believe as much as 50 percent of students are not performing at their grade level.

“Education is important. It affects us all,” Harvin said. “If our children are going to be productive adults, in whatever role in society, they have to be educated. It’s incumbent that community partners lend their support and reverse the trends of high dropout rates and underperformance.”

Though often confused with private or religious schools, charter schools are public institutions known for their small size and willingness to experiment with alternative curricula, often freed from state or federal regulations in exchange for some gauge of accountability.

“It’s the same standards of math, science and literature. What’s unique is how courses are delivered, allowing slower students to work at their own pace while faster ones can move ahead,” said Harvin, noting that SPG would favor solo sports geared to building self-esteem like golf, tennis and swimming rather than team sports. “And we’re not focusing on a specific talent group. We would be open to all students.”

Currently 31 charter schools serve 5,000 students throughout South Carolina, having received a boon when President Bush made charter schools a major component of his No Child Left Behind Act.

So far reviews are mixed, but they’ve found at least one supporter in State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.

“When it comes to learning, we know that one size doesn’t fit all,” he said in a recent press release. “Our comprehensive reform plan calls for an increase in the number and variety of choices, and charter schools provide another option.”

Dr. David Church, executive director of the South Carolina Association of Public Schools, sees charter schools as another form of the civil rights movement.

“I think they do a very good job,” he said. “They’re not dying or going away; they’re improving and increasing in popularity.”

If the SPG is able to receive a charter, Harvin said, conditional funding would become available based on their ability to meet state regulations and provide facilities. Best-case scenario: August 2008.

“Big companies can’t come to Clarendon County because there aren’t enough quality students,” Harvin said. “If we’re not concerned about students entering the workforce, then we’ve got a problem.”

Glenda Sternberg, director of Clarendon Hall, said that she believed parents should have as many options as possible and applauded the SPG’s efforts.

“We’re in the business of children,” she said. “If we start getting territorial, then we forget our mission, which is the best possible education for all children. As with any business, the more competition, the better for the consumer. I think the same thing is true in schools.”

The Summerton Planning Group will host a barbecue lunch on March 15 at noon; Benita Dinkins, founder of Lee County Charter School, will speak on March 19 at 6:30 p.m.; a community education program meeting will be held on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. All events are at 10 S. Dukes St. in Summerton and open the public. For more information contact Ken Harvin at 485-4800.