By Jeff Murphy,
May 13, 2021
WARRENSBURG, MO 鈥 After becoming one of the state鈥檚 pioneering higher education institutions
in the sponsorship of charter schools, the 欧美视频 has announced
its role as charter school sponsor will be coming to an end effective by June 30,
2022. While taking this step, UCM will continue to work with all seven charter schools
that it currently sponsors as they transition to new sponsors.
The mission-driven decision to transition away from charter school sponsorship was
made by UCM鈥檚 Board of Governors. Through the UCM Office of Charter Schools in the
College of Education, the university currently provides oversight in areas that include
academics, finance, governance and operations for seven charter schools that serve
students ranging from pre-kindergarten level to 12th grade. These schools and the
grade levels currently sponsored are Academie Lafayette, Pre-K-9; Crossroads Charter
Schools, Pre-K-12; Gordon Parks Elementary School, Pre-K-4; Guadalupe Centers Schools,
Pre-K-12; Hope Leadership Academy, K-4; Kansas City International Academy, Pre-K-8;
and Scuola Vita Nuova, K-8. Each of these schools is located in Kansas City.
Action by the university鈥檚 governing board allows UCM to more closely align its resources
to pursue its mission, which is focused on providing a quality post-secondary education
to students in Missouri and beyond.
The university reached out to lead administrators at each of its sponsored schools
this week to let them know about its plan and to offer support as needed between now
and through their transition to a new sponsor. State law requires charter schools
to have a sponsor. UCM is confident that these charter schools can work collaboratively
with other authorized charter school sponsors to continue to successfully serve their
communities. The university will provide an opportunity for potential sponsors to
meet with charter school boards and administrators to discuss the possibility of transitioning
sponsorship.
鈥淲e appreciate the opportunity to have played an instrumental role in the education
of Missouri primary and secondary students as a longtime sponsor of charter schools.
It has been a tremendous experience working with many administrators, board members,
faculty and staff at these schools, and we鈥檙e grateful for their commitment and dedication
to student learning,鈥 said UCM President Roger Best. 鈥淲e also thank the faculty and
staff in our College of Education, and particularly our Office of Charter Schools,
who have sought to make a positive difference in the lives of charter school students.
They have committed countless hours of service to students for more than two decades,
and we鈥檙e proud of their efforts.鈥
The university, which was founded as a Normal School in 1871, has a 150-year history
of preparing exceptionally qualified educators for the State of Missouri and continually
seeks opportunities for innovations to benefit schools and students. Its College
of Education partners with schools and school districts through initiatives such as
"Grow Your Own Future" and provides undergraduate, graduate, and Education Specialist
degrees for aspiring and current teachers and administrators.