Concord Montessori and Community School has hired a new management company, and some teachers have elected to leave
MANCELONA, MI -- Major changes scheduled for a charter school in Antrim County tonight, and those changes are bringing mixed reactions from parents and students.
A new management company will take over Concord Montessori and Community School's day-to-day operations in the New Year.
Some teachers will lose their jobs, while others are electing to not come back.
At a meeting Thursday afternoon in Mancelona, the school board told students and parents why the changes had to be made at the school that specializes in fine arts.
"We do have to look at the bigger picture, absolutely," explains Heidi Berden, the Concord Montessori and Community Schools Board President.
Berden says sweeping changes have to be made before the school applies for a charter renewal in March.
“LSSU reps came to us and basically said that our charter renewal was at risk, and without transformation, it was likely that our charter would not be renewed," says Berden.
Lake Superior State University holds the key for the charter renewal. It suggested a new school management company because students had low test scores and the school was facing financial instability.
"Underperforming schools do indeed disappear, and that I believe is a strength of the movement, and this school will not disappear if I have my way," says Dr. Steve Ingersoll, Smart Schools President.
Smart Schools was hired December 8th to take over staffing and give input on operations. But this decision means change. Two teaching positions will be dissolved, and several teachers have chosen not to come back.
"I kind of had a feeling there had to be a change, so I’m trying to stay positive, and it'll be good for both of my children I think," said Gail Strand, a parent of two at the school.
Student George Shetler says he wants his school to be here next year.
“Without change, there's no school, with change, at least we have decent odds," says Shetler.
But George’s mother takes an opposite view.
“Is it worth saving the school if you end up changing it? Because then it's not the same school anymore, and so what are we left with?" asks Lena Shetler.
"The changes are really devastating to the students and the faculty because this is a family," says Heather Noel, a parent.
"Academic performance needs to be upgraded a bit, and I think we can do that without disturbing the identity or the mission of this school," says Dr. Ingersoll.
Smart Schools takes over Concord Montessori and Community Schools January 2nd. That's when changes will go into place, all in hopes that this school will be here next year.
Smart Schools tells us teachers can reapply and be rehired, but there will be changes made to their teaching curriculum to improve academics.
