Brief updates
Brief notes will be parked here temporarily until they can be integrated into the appropriate page.
#5 Feb 14, 2011: Latest news on CMSA teachers' unionization
‘Stop breaking the law’ protest tells Chicago charter school
CMSA = Chicago Math and Science Academy is a Gulen charter school. Hasan Ali Yurtsever, who has known and been closely associated with Gulen since his childhood, is on the CMSA board. The Perimeter Primate blogger has a comprehensive page on the CMSA story, which began unfolding in summer 2010.
#4: Feb 10, 2011: Gulenist amnesia
_North Carolina school has connection to future Knoxville Charter Academy
Feb 10, 2011: "The similarity between that school and this school is that school is also a STEM school and this school is a STEM school as well," she explained. "As far as the curriculum, as far as I can remember, I think maybe the science and technology curriculum is similar, but other than that, there's no similarities that I can think of at the moment."
#3: Feb 9, 2011 Lotus School for Excellence Longmont appeal
Longmont Times-Call article: “Student achievement data at the Aurora Lotus School is not at a level that would lead a school district to replicate the program,” according to the district’s resolution. But academic achievement isn’t a reason to deny a charter, DiTolla wrote."
[Di Tolla is the lawyer representing Lotus.]
#2: Ohio schools
From the 2009-10 Ohio state report cards for the 16 Gulen charter schools in Ohio (Horizon Science Academy and Noble Academy schools):
- 1 school - Academic emergency
- 5 schools - Academic watch
- 5 schools - Continuous improvement
- 2 schools - Effective
- 2 schools - Excellent
- 1 school - Excellent with distinction
#1 Annual legal fees of $70000 for Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania
From the board minutes of Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania charter school, May 20, 2010:
"The school has increased legal fees this year (currently at $50000, but expected to be $70000 by years end versus $6000 last year. Reasons given include Right to Know requests, the PAC bylaw change recommendation, and the charter renewal."
To get its charter renewed, YSCP was required to post these board minutes on its website. However, they have since been removed.
