One charter closes; another is in jeopardy

The DaVinci Charter School in Garden City will close its doors within days, after a board vote Monday night.

Reports KTVB.com: “DaVinci’s director was holding out for a miracle — some kind of big donation to save the school. The school needed $150,000 to finish out the school year, and $300,000 to keep DaVinci open long term.”

With no donation in the offing, the school will close its doors Friday, says KTVB.

DaVinci isn’t the only Idaho charter school facing a financial crunch.

Here’s a story Friday from Julie Wootton of the Times-News in Twin Falls last week: “Xavier Charter School is in jeopardy of closing after this school year if officials can’t resolve long-term financial issues within the next week.”

The news comes as lawmakers are likely to once again debate charter school funding.

A charter school bill is in the works, but it hasn’t been formally introduced. The bill could well address some of the funding inequity concerns raised by charter school advocates at two Senate-House education “listening sessions” earlier this month. Among their concerns: the lack of facilities funding for charter schools.

Today, the Senate and House education committees will hear from a Colorado charter school advocate, discussing facilities funding.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday