A legislative committee has approved the rules for establishing so-called “charter” schools in Iowa, and education officials say the first charter school could be open by next fall. The Department of Education now has authority to designate 10 charter schools — freeing the schools from certain state regulations. Iowa Department of Education consultant Lori Phelan says the local school board and at least half of parents and teachers must approve the move. Phelan says the schools need to offer “new, different and innovative” services to students. While the schools don’t have to follow most state regulations, they must meet student achievement goals set by the state. She says it’s clear charter schools will be accountable. Schools granted charter status will receive a total of 400-thousand dollars in federal funding in the first three years of operation. So far, only Southeast Webster High School in Dubuque has applied for charter status, but Sioux Center in Sioux Center is also expected to apply. Phelan says one of both could be open by next fall. She guesses the first 10 to apply will win approval, so it’s sort of “first come, first served.”
