School Board approves Edison contract
By PAMELA STAIK CHARLOTTE SUN STAFF WRITER
MURDOCK — Edison Collegiate High School cleared its final legal hurdle Tuesday when the Charlotte County School Board unanimously approved the charter school’s contract.
A charter school is a public school run by private individuals or groups who have contracted with a school district.
The approved contract outlines the relationship and the responsibilities between the district and Edison State College Charlotte Campus, which hopes to create a rigorous four-year curriculum for students so they receive both a high school diploma and an associate degree upon graduation.
Although the board did not discuss the nearly 40-page contract during the required public hearing, they took the time to voice well wishes to the college moments before voting.
“This gives our students another option, and it may not be for everyone, but it may be for some,” said School Board member Andrea Messina. “It’s in the best interest of the students of Charlotte County to have options and parents to have options. I look forward to working with Edison and I think it’s going to be a fine partnership.
The first class of 100 freshmen is scheduled to begin school in August.
As a way to help families learn more about the school and the application process, three informational meetings have been planned at the Charlotte Campus, located at 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
The first of these meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in room SA 117. To RSVP, visit http://echs.edison.edu or call 941-637-5673.
(Printed in the Charlotte Sun newspaper, February 11, 2009)