Charter school hearing tonight

GAINESVILLE - You'll get one last chance tonight to offer input into the Gainesville School Board's Charter School proposal.

The board will hold a public hearing at 6:30 at school board offices on Oak Street prior to its 7:00 regular meeting.

School system officials have said such a designation would provide more flexibility for teachers and administrators.

David Shumake, assistant superintendent for instruction, told parents and teachers gathered at an earlier public hearing that currently if the system wants to waive a rule, it must submit a request to the state.

Charter system status would give the system more flexibility with rules and regulations that officials feel they might like to waive.

Officials stressed that the charter system petition will have no impact on teacher salaries or benefits and that the system will continue to follow state recommendations for maximum class size.

The initial charter lasts five years. Revisions to the charter can be made each year.

While some parents have voiced concerns, board members shave aid that achieving charter system status would be an important opportunity.

"If you don't take a chance, you're limiting the ability to improve the system for each child," then-board member David Syfan said.