Should North Winneshiek School be operated as a charter school?

One of the suggestions made at the November 25th public forum on the future of North Winneshiek School was that it could be operated in the future as a Charter School.

North Winneshiek School Board members on Monday evening learned there would be a few drawbacks to the proposal.  Superintendent Tim Dugger told board members state funding is the same for a charter school as it is for any other school, but the regulatory oversight is greater, often leading to additional administrative costs.  Dugger says because of the funding situation there are only three Charter Schools operating in Iowa.

School board members did not close the door on the idea, however.  Board member Scott Fairchild said North Winneshiek might attract additional studeents if it were operated as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Charter School.

Letters have been sent out to parents of preschoolers through 3rd graders in the North Winneshiek School District to get their feedback on long range plans for the school.

School board members Monday evening praised November 25th's public forum, saying it was a "positive experience" for everyone.