Schools

Education Commissioner Renews McAuliffe Charter Through 2017

Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School, a middle school, is being renewed as a result of the school's success in academic achievement, innovative Expeditionary Learning program, financial stability and strong school leadership.

Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester announced to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education it intends to renew the , a 6-7-8 middle school, through 2017.

Citing the school's demonstrating success in academic achievement, implementing an innovative Expeditionary Learning program, financial stability and strong school leadership, as his reason why. Commissioner Chester's memo to the state board can be read here.

Steven Cagnetta, chair of McAuliffe's Board of Trustees, and Executive Director, Kristin Harrison, said they were thrilled to receive the renewal news.

Find out what's happening in Framinghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Over the last five years, we have worked hard to establish McAuliffe as an outstanding learning environment for middle school students and are very pleased that Commissioner Chester and other state leaders are validating our success with an intent to renew the charter for another five years," said Harrison in a written statement.

"We have big plans for the next five years including expanding the size of the school, possibly adding a fifth grade, and acquiring a facility of our own. We look forward to working with community leaders to ensure that MetroWest becomes known as the hub of innovative education in Massachusetts," said Harrison.

Find out what's happening in Framinghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Charter schools, unlike other public schools, have increased accountability in exchange for increased autonomy and so must be renewed by the state every five years. 

The school submitted an application for renewal to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in July 2011 and hosted a 3-day inspection visit in October 2011.

Site visitors interviewed school leaders, the board of trustees, teachers, parents, and students, observed numerous classes, and examined school documents and submitted a report to the DESE summarizing the state of the school. Read the summary report Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School prepared for the Commissioner here.

The renew was announced to the state board on Jan. 11.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here