The Manitowoc Public School District has been given two options regarding McKinley Academy.
Last year, the district discussed whether to dissolve the academy because only a few students are involved, and it’s costing the district hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.
The school board got an update yesterday from Principal Stephanie Boncher and another staff member.
They were given two options including either terminating the charter school and the contract or taking no action and allowing the contract to remain in place through the 2026-27 school year.
If the district keeps the charter, the MPSD and McKinley School Boards would make decisions regarding the school and would need to clarify protocols and systems to improve it.
But if the district ends the charter, the MPSD board would control everything.
The report continues saying several facets were not being addressed, including that no revenue is coming to the district and that the school could be eligible for grant opportunities.
The consensus from the board seems to be in favor of keeping the school with members like Kerry Trask who discussed the benefits for students who need a different learning style.
“A lot of those kids really do flourish,” he explained during the board meeting. “In fact, it’s a way for them to survive through high school and make it through the real world.”
Board Member Matthew Phipps wants to make sure the misunderstandings between the school and board don’t happen again.
“I’d like to remove those barriers and actually improve something,” he suggested. “That’s why I’m asking for a preventative plan moving forward to June, so we don’t have this happen again.”
The board could vote on what to do next month.
The cost issue was brought up by Assistant Superintendent Jamie McCall.
