Charter school decision expected tonight

Representatives from two proposed Carson City charter schools will reappear before the school board 7 p.m. tonight for a final decision on their applications.

Both applications were denied at the Feb. 11 meeting, with trustees citing liability and other concerns.

Nevada law allows applicants to have 30 days to correct insufficiencies in the application.

One applicant, Joan Lepas, is calling for a Carson Montessori School, which would replace an already operating private school, Educare School and Day Care.

"We're providing an alternative for children who need smaller classrooms and need some hands-on learning," she said. "It will be better for those who are gifted and talented, or who might be shy, or the ones who are struggling."

The other, proposed by Steve Knight, is for an online high school that would specialize in at-risk youth. It would be called Silver State Charter High School.

"In every class, the students will learn a sellable skill," Knight said. "That's the absolute imperative, that students have an understood reason for taking the course."

If the charter schools are approved, students who choose to attend will take with them the amount of money the state would have given the school district for each student. School board trustees meet at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

This year, Nevada schools receive $4,873 for each pupil enrolled. If the applications are denied once again, organizers may apply for sponsorship from the Nevada Department of Education.

Trustee Sheila Ward voted against denying the applications, saying she supported choice.

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.