Today’s news reports concern enrollment-lottery violations that Richard McKenna Charter Schools identified in August and promptly reported to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. What occurred was inconsistent with our lottery procedures and with the equitable access those procedures are designed to protect. Under Idaho law, charter schools must use a lottery when demand exceeds available seats. That process exists to ensure fair and equitable access for all applicants, regardless of economic or social status.

The Board supports the response led by our Superintendent, Jon Wood. Superintendent Wood and Board leadership promptly notified the Charter Commission. Under Superintendent Wood’s direction, the school conducted an internal investigation and audit of recent lottery cycles, addressed the impact on affected families, and put additional safeguards in place. The corrective action plan has been accepted by the Charter Commission staff. The Board expects high levels of transparency, accountability, and integrity from our schools and staff. We also appreciate Charter Commission staff for their guidance and support throughout this process.

The integrity of our lottery process and compliance with Idaho law are extremely important to the Board, and our broader commitment to integrity extends to every aspect of how Richard McKenna Charter Schools operates. When problems are identified, we believe the appropriate response is to confront them directly, report them transparently, correct them, and strengthen our systems so they are less likely to happen again.

We have strengthened our internal controls by dividing enrollment responsibilities among multiple staff members, instituting regular central-office review of lottery activity, and improving documentation of staff training and responsibilities. These measures are intended to substantially reduce the risk of anything similar occurring again.

The Board recognizes the seriousness of what occurred. Maintaining public trust requires more than simply having policies in place; it requires acting with integrity when those policies are not followed. We remain committed to equitable access, accountability, transparency, integrity, and earning the continued trust of the families and communities we serve.

William Lamb is the Board Chair of Richard McKenna Charter Schools