Heard over the weekend that Millennium Charter has bought a 60 plus acre farm close to the school and will build an athletic complex with baseball, softball, soccer and football fields. Just wondering how this might effect any of the traditional high schools in the area. With them adding all grades of high school in a year or so and adding almost a full line of sports teams soon would this become a draw for any local students?
Millennium Charter Academy Athletic Complex
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This development will take athletes and supportive parents from the Mt. Airy City, Surry County, and Stokes County Public School Systems. There will be an impact athletically and financially.
The 1-A schools are hit very hard by the increase in charters across North Carolina. Just look at the impact on state championships in last weekends swimming finals. "Schools with no boundaries" exist in the rural areas and small urban areas and also exist in the large counties where open enrollment exists. So the Northwest 1-A gets impacted by Forsyth County's open enrollment (Atkins girls basketball, WS Prep's boys and girls basketball teams), schools without boundaries like Bishop, and now a charter school in Mt. Airy. This will continue until the small schools decide that this is unfair. This requires leadership from small schools' school boards and administrators to unite and fight for their athletes to be able to compete on a level field. This will require courageous public school leadership. These officials are elected! So if voters only complain on message boards and don't get involved with elections, it is just all talk!!!!
The 1-A schools are hit very hard by the increase in charters across North Carolina. Just look at the impact on state championships in last weekends swimming finals. "Schools with no boundaries" exist in the rural areas and small urban areas and also exist in the large counties where open enrollment exists. So the Northwest 1-A gets impacted by Forsyth County's open enrollment (Atkins girls basketball, WS Prep's boys and girls basketball teams), schools without boundaries like Bishop, and now a charter school in Mt. Airy. This will continue until the small schools decide that this is unfair. This requires leadership from small schools' school boards and administrators to unite and fight for their athletes to be able to compete on a level field. This will require courageous public school leadership. These officials are elected! So if voters only complain on message boards and don't get involved with elections, it is just all talk!!!!
Nothing will happen until the "non boundary" schools win a few football titles then the schools will start to come together. The Parochial schools are the least of the state's problems. I said that eight or more years ago and no one listened. Wish we could go back and get historic posts.
They'll have an even broader range than Prep b/c charter schools aren't bound by county lines and magnet schools like Prep are. But I don't see them turning into anything like Prep.
Does Prep provide transportation? That is one issue the charters would battle if it is not close to the student's home. That can cause some issues.
Very dependent on what the charter is set up as. Some kids just are not going to go for some curriculum or may have trouble making it. I have been told that "Prep" probably should not be in the title of WSP.
Very dependent on what the charter is set up as. Some kids just are not going to go for some curriculum or may have trouble making it. I have been told that "Prep" probably should not be in the title of WSP.
Millennium Charter Academy
It is in the city about 2 miles from Mount Airy High
No updates yet about sports that I found.
http://www.mcacademy.com/development/expansion.html
It is in the city about 2 miles from Mount Airy High
No updates yet about sports that I found.
http://www.mcacademy.com/development/expansion.html
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the land is located just below Jones Intermediate school on Riverside Dr.....has been for sale for some time and MCA finally jumped on it....about sure they will not have a big hit on local,talent so to speak....it will take a few years andd I mean a few to every get a solid program going....they run 2 buses a day up/down Hwy 52...one stop in Pinnacle and one in King...110 students a day.....we've always joked that if the right person (s) became coaches they could build one heck of a sports program.....we all know and see how getting the right man for the job can bring success
My son is a freshman this year and I heard rumors that football would be the last sport they started, so my kid wont be effected by it. I don't agree with bareman much but I will agree that if the right coach came along they could draw a lot of interest in the sports program. You know they have the deep pockets to make just about anything happen. With teachers/coaches in my family I know some more money might make the difference for someone to make the jump to MCA for the right price. It'll be something to watch and keep an eye on.
I must confess that I'm not as up to date as I probably should be on this Charter/Magnet School issue, but I do have some simple questions:
Since these schools are funded by the Tax Payers, doesn't this mean that County public schools will be greatly impacted not so much by losing atheletes but by losing funding for classes and teachers?....Wouldn't that be hurting education at those public schools in those counties where new charter/magnet schools are opening, since they would have to give up some of their Tax Payer funds to support the new school?
In other words by opening new schools with more options, aren't we leaving behind the public schools that will be even more limited in what they can offer students, since they will be losing some Tax Payer funds that will be going to the new school?
I mean there's only so much money to go around without a hefty tax increase, or am I way off base?
Do folks in Surry County expect a future Tax increase to support not only the new school but all the other public schools in Surry County?
Don't all schools funded by Tax Payers have to provide the same opportunities for all students at every County school, or not?
Thanks in Advance!
Since these schools are funded by the Tax Payers, doesn't this mean that County public schools will be greatly impacted not so much by losing atheletes but by losing funding for classes and teachers?....Wouldn't that be hurting education at those public schools in those counties where new charter/magnet schools are opening, since they would have to give up some of their Tax Payer funds to support the new school?
In other words by opening new schools with more options, aren't we leaving behind the public schools that will be even more limited in what they can offer students, since they will be losing some Tax Payer funds that will be going to the new school?
I mean there's only so much money to go around without a hefty tax increase, or am I way off base?
Do folks in Surry County expect a future Tax increase to support not only the new school but all the other public schools in Surry County?
Don't all schools funded by Tax Payers have to provide the same opportunities for all students at every County school, or not?
Thanks in Advance!
A magnet school is part of the county school system, so they don't siphon money off from the local school district. Now, whether the school district should be focusing resources on magnet schools instead of neighborhood schools is a different issue, but at least the school district doesn't lose the per-pupil money for those kids. Charter schools, on the other hand, get the per pupil allotment that the student's school district would be getting for them, so they do take money from the local public schools. There is more freedom to be more innovative with curriculums and teaching styles, but we are giving a lot of money to schools that are overseen by boards that are not accountable through the political process, which bothers me.
The bigger concern is something I think you hit the nail on the head talking about...that school choice is just a nicer word for creating (or perpetuating) a class system in our public schools.
You're right O&R, without oversight and accountability there's a much greater chance of waste and over-spending at Charter Schools, compared to the public schools if there is no one to answer for it on election day?....
Personally think ALL schools that are funded by Taxpayers should be transparent and accountable for all their spending practices, since we taxpayers are paying for those schools to open in the first place...
Didn't mean to insinuate that there is a Class system that is starting to develop with these charter schools, but just wonder if all county schools in this state offer the same courses if they are funded by their county taxpayers?
If not, why not would be my question?
Charter Schools don't have the same accountability as public schools. They have less oversight and do not have to disclose their teacher's salaries. They also don't have to hire teachers that have specific teacher licenses. This will do 2 things - 1. it will start to draw some teachers/coaches away from public schools IF the charter school is committed to offering more money than a public school can offer. 2. it will also start to draw students from a broader geographic area, lowering the enrollment in traditional public schools (which will then leave the traditional schools with less money to spend). The rise in charter schools is leading to renewed segregation - this time though, it's financially based. There is no guarantee that Millennium will become an athletic juggernaut, but given the right coach/personality it could definitely happen in varous sports.
The answer is really a simple one for me personally, and that is every school that is funded by taxpayers, should be accountable and transparent to those taxpayers, and should not be able to provide higher teacher salaries, more opportunities/classes, or have more technology made available to students than any other county school that is taxpayer funded...All County School Administrators/Principals should be accountable/transparent to the local politically-elected school board if they are being funded by the local taxpayers.....
And I agree that this is more about equality for all students and schools, and less to do about atheletics, unless you are talking about district boundaries for the student body which is another subject in and of itself....
Who set up these advantages for Charter Schools, and who is responsible for the inequality that some local schools now face in comparison to those Charter Schools?
Someone needs to be held accountable because this system is grossly unfair if one county school is providing more benefits than another county school with both funded by taxpayers.....That ain't right!
You need look no further than your state legislature. Anybody not convinced that there is a conscious effort to privatize education for profit isn't paying attention.
NWWatchdog you are exactly right!!! Choice is another word for school segregation. But this time it is the "Haves vs. Have nots". They are slowly making the public school system into an alternative school system. The other issue for our public schools is the competition with the community college system. The state has reduced funding so much that two of our educational systems are being forced to compete for funding by attracting the same students. Just ask your local community college how many of their students are high school students. Now go check the textbooks your local high school is using. The state has reduced funding for supplies so much that textbooks are rarely replaced. Houston we have a problem!!!
What? Really? Shouldn't be able to? So we should limit their teacher pay also? Limit the choices for their students? Really? Ridiculous.
No, we should be providing choices for students. Not limiting students. Expanding choices, not limiting.
Limit choice, no. However, if Charter Schools are going to receive taxpayer money, they should be held accountable and should be transparent as Tigertown Rick said. Also, they should be held to the same accountability standards as public schools - have personnel be highly qualified, be accountable for the same grading system as public schools, take all of the same required classes/tests as public schools, etc.
This is what YOU said: and should not be able to provide higher teacher salaries, more opportunities/classes, or have more technology made available to students than any other county school that is taxpayer funded..
Should not be able to provide more for students. WTH? That is ridiculous. Teacher's in NC make chicken feed for someone with a 4 year degree. Good for who ever who can make more. Actually the difference in pay is pretty small (if any) for most charter schools
So I'm guessing you're ok with limited to no accountability for Charters? If they want to have higher pay or different opportunities, so be it...but it should not come with PUBLIC MONEY! Allowing different standards and rules for Charters and Public Schools is tantamount to segregation - as davisdorm said, the HAVES and HAVE NOTS. There needs to be accountability and transparency, especially if they are taking away the per-pupil financial allotment from public schools. Ask yourself honestly, who is benefiting from this most?
It is a a lottery, you name is drawn out of a hat. The only thing you have to do is get your kid get there.
And provide the kid's food. For a person who has no reliable means of transportation, or works multiple jobs or non-traditional shifts, getting your kid there is a big deal.
I have no problem with charter schools if they are strictly non-profit. But our legislature needs to understand that not everything of value has to have a dollar sign attached to the benefit. I'm a small business owner and believe in capitalism. But equal access to quality education should be paramount in our priorities. Frankly, the athletic ramifications pale in comparison to that.
NC has had crappy schools, with underpaid teachers for DECADES. You know what they do in other states? In Georgia, we border them, the county collects taxes and they give $1000's of dollars in supplements, to teachers. In NC? You have yahoos squealing about how you shouldn't be in education if all you want is money.
When the Democrats were in power, they wouldn't fix education. They could have raised teacher pay. No....they were to busy borrowing money to put in Common Core.
If you are so worried about your county schools, follow the lead of other states, raise taxes, fix your schools. Pay teachers, pay coaches, they will come. They have families, car payments, house payments, and they went to college ....
Stop being scared, jealous, selfish, and for God sake do something about the piss poor NC schools.
Thanks.
jcat12, you may be surprised to learn that I agree with you on most points. I'm ashamed that the county I live in is dead last of 100 counties in per capita pupil spending. But I'm just as ashamed of where our state ranks in the same category. The federal, state and county governments share funding responsibility. And in the town where I live, we sweeten the pot. From the state level down, we don't do it very well.
Having said that, the state would rather create a model that destroys public schools. There certainly isn't equal access to charter schools. The state wants to raise pay of less experienced teachers, but not more veteran ones. They have a motive. It's obvious that they want teachers to only teach a few years so that the state won't have the pension liability. Just as importantly, they want to punish the NCAE, because they believe most members vote for the other party.
So, let me be clear. I have nothing against charter schools and alternative methods of education. But to send tax money to for-profit schools is wrong. If they are non-profit, bless them for any improvements they can make in the system. But then the state should allow other public schools to use those same methods. Don't create huge advantages for charter schools and then expect to measure other public schools against them academically. Or athletically.
For the record, I hope the legislature and my county commissioners raise my taxes tomorrow if the money will go into the classroom, and to textbooks, and to teaching character education. But, as I'm sure you know, I'm very much in the minority.
Sorry Deanna. Please don't exile me to the Front Porch. This discussion can't be athletic, without recognizing the academic and political facets that control it.
The answer is NO if they will be doing it off the backs of the Taxpayers....It's all about equality for all the schools that taxpayers are funding.....
And you're right about Teacher's not making enough money for the job they do, but you're asking everyone to agree with you that the Charter School teachers should be getting more of the taxpayer money than the public school teacher who may have been there a longer time?
How is that fair and equal for all the County Schools with both Charter and Public schools?
Really a silly argument unless you're a greedy person who wants more than they deserve, which is what this all sounds like to me?.....
If I'm going to pay my tax dollars to the County in which I live: Then, I'm going to expect them to share that money EQUALLY with all the County schools, and be TRANSPARENT in doing so....
Is that too much to ask?
I don't think so!
Seems like this topic has skewed a little bit. Check out this link if you think Charter/Magnet/Prep schools don't have an advantage.
http://m.carolinacoastonline.com/ne...0da-e090-11e5-bb3a-8fa4524f9d99.htmI?mode=jqm
http://m.carolinacoastonline.com/ne...0da-e090-11e5-bb3a-8fa4524f9d99.htmI?mode=jqm
Not sure if I want to get into the middle of this one but I think the thread would benefit from another perspective...a parent with kids in a NC charter school. I think there are some real misunderstandings about charters but I do respect other opinions on the subject. At the end of the day, I am for competition, innovation and choice in public education. I think these non-traditional schools will only make the entire system better. In addition, in areas of the state where the local public schools are meeting or exceeding the needs of local families, charters aren't necessary and will not succeed. There are many terrific public schools in this state (and terrific teachers) but there are also some areas where families will benefit from charter schools.
First of all, charter schools only receive about 70% of operational funding (Federal, State and Local) compared to traditional public schools (some of this can be justified as the charters do not have to provide some services - school lunches, transportation, etc.). Secondly, charter schools do not receive any significant capital funding from the State or the Educational Lottery. Imagine the financial burden that is placed on these schools to lease or finance their own facilities (school, gyms, fields, etc.). That is why most charters don't even have a football program as it is too expensive.
Regarding teacher pay, I'm not aware of any teachers who are leaving to join Charter schools due to increased pay. In fact, overall teacher compensation (salary and benefits) are lower at charter schools as they can't offer the same pension/retirement programs as the traditional public schools. Teachers come to Charter schools because they love teaching.
I read one comment (not sure if it was on this thread) about charters being "for-profit" and this is some way that "billionaires" are going to make lots of money. I can reassure you first hand that anyone who thinks they are going to get rich on charter schools is not going to be a billionaire for very long! Unfortunately, without the startup funding and support from generous foundations who believe in school choice, charter schools would never make it. Most charter schools are just getting by...just stop by and take a tour of your local charter school to see for your own eyes.
I also don't quite understand the argument that charters are taking away funds from public schools as the charter school is only getting a per-pupil share (and only 70% of that share). The impacted public school has fewer students and therefore, should be able to adjust to the lower cost structure, just like any small business. They are still receiving the same per-pupil share of funding for each student (actually, a larger per pupil share than a charter school). This is the same issue if a number of students transfer from one public school to another public school in the same district...the per-pupil share should go to the other school.
Regarding accountability, I believe there are some real misunderstandings in this area. All charter schools report to the NC Board of Education and are subject to the same testing requirements. I've attended many school board meetings (at both charters and public schools) and there are proper controls and procedures in place, just like the traditional public schools. In fact, there have been several charter programs that have been forced to shut down due to mismanagement and lack of progress with educational goals. This tells me that the system is working and there will be other charters that fail in the future (this is good!).
In terms of athletics (getting back to the original thread), I expect there will be a handful of charter schools, mostly from the larger cities, that will continue to have strong programs in basketball, soccer, etc. However, most charters are quite small and will never dominate in the more traditional sports like football. I think Robbinsville, Murphy, Swain, Plymouth, James Keenan and WRH can sleep well at night!
Appreciate the opportunity to provide another perspective!
First of all, charter schools only receive about 70% of operational funding (Federal, State and Local) compared to traditional public schools (some of this can be justified as the charters do not have to provide some services - school lunches, transportation, etc.). Secondly, charter schools do not receive any significant capital funding from the State or the Educational Lottery. Imagine the financial burden that is placed on these schools to lease or finance their own facilities (school, gyms, fields, etc.). That is why most charters don't even have a football program as it is too expensive.
Regarding teacher pay, I'm not aware of any teachers who are leaving to join Charter schools due to increased pay. In fact, overall teacher compensation (salary and benefits) are lower at charter schools as they can't offer the same pension/retirement programs as the traditional public schools. Teachers come to Charter schools because they love teaching.
I read one comment (not sure if it was on this thread) about charters being "for-profit" and this is some way that "billionaires" are going to make lots of money. I can reassure you first hand that anyone who thinks they are going to get rich on charter schools is not going to be a billionaire for very long! Unfortunately, without the startup funding and support from generous foundations who believe in school choice, charter schools would never make it. Most charter schools are just getting by...just stop by and take a tour of your local charter school to see for your own eyes.
I also don't quite understand the argument that charters are taking away funds from public schools as the charter school is only getting a per-pupil share (and only 70% of that share). The impacted public school has fewer students and therefore, should be able to adjust to the lower cost structure, just like any small business. They are still receiving the same per-pupil share of funding for each student (actually, a larger per pupil share than a charter school). This is the same issue if a number of students transfer from one public school to another public school in the same district...the per-pupil share should go to the other school.
Regarding accountability, I believe there are some real misunderstandings in this area. All charter schools report to the NC Board of Education and are subject to the same testing requirements. I've attended many school board meetings (at both charters and public schools) and there are proper controls and procedures in place, just like the traditional public schools. In fact, there have been several charter programs that have been forced to shut down due to mismanagement and lack of progress with educational goals. This tells me that the system is working and there will be other charters that fail in the future (this is good!).
In terms of athletics (getting back to the original thread), I expect there will be a handful of charter schools, mostly from the larger cities, that will continue to have strong programs in basketball, soccer, etc. However, most charters are quite small and will never dominate in the more traditional sports like football. I think Robbinsville, Murphy, Swain, Plymouth, James Keenan and WRH can sleep well at night!
Appreciate the opportunity to provide another perspective!
scott4boys, thank you for your very reasoned and reasonable response. None of my comments are meant to demonize charter schools. I'm sure that there are some very good ones that fill a real need. Just a couple of points.
I believe that all children should have access to a good education. While more funding isn't a guarantee of better outcomes, there certainly is a correlation between poorly funded schools and systems, and lower performance. There are exceptions, but I think it is generally true. And it isn't as simple as saying that if you lessen the number of students, the need for funding is proportionally less. Some school expenditures are essentially fixed, even if the system loses or gains students. Maintenance, utilities, transportation, cafeteria costs are all examples where less students may or may not mean significantly less expense.
The two areas where I believe we are missing the mark with charter schools are academic outcome comparison and management. If we allow charters to have different rules, we can't expect to make valid comparisons of results. And if the charter schools have innovative concepts that work, allow the other public schools to apply those same concepts. But I do think that charter schools are not always bound by some of the non-classroom burdens that take away from the time traditional schools spend on instruction. Transportation and food service are two of those. I suspect there are many others. Ask any teacher at a traditional school what percentage of their time is spent on non- instructional endeavors.
When I say management, I mean the philosophy that our legislature apparently has that, because big business is successful at making money, that they will be successful at managing education. That curriculum, methodology, and schools themselves are better run by business than by academia. It's the philosophy that is mangling our university system. And I believe that some of our legislative leaders are determined to destroy public education. It is deceitful, it is partisan, and it is wrong.
Where non-profit charters thrive and provide quality education to our children I fully appreciate their efforts and applaud them. But education is not a business and shouldn't be.
I believe that all children should have access to a good education. While more funding isn't a guarantee of better outcomes, there certainly is a correlation between poorly funded schools and systems, and lower performance. There are exceptions, but I think it is generally true. And it isn't as simple as saying that if you lessen the number of students, the need for funding is proportionally less. Some school expenditures are essentially fixed, even if the system loses or gains students. Maintenance, utilities, transportation, cafeteria costs are all examples where less students may or may not mean significantly less expense.
The two areas where I believe we are missing the mark with charter schools are academic outcome comparison and management. If we allow charters to have different rules, we can't expect to make valid comparisons of results. And if the charter schools have innovative concepts that work, allow the other public schools to apply those same concepts. But I do think that charter schools are not always bound by some of the non-classroom burdens that take away from the time traditional schools spend on instruction. Transportation and food service are two of those. I suspect there are many others. Ask any teacher at a traditional school what percentage of their time is spent on non- instructional endeavors.
When I say management, I mean the philosophy that our legislature apparently has that, because big business is successful at making money, that they will be successful at managing education. That curriculum, methodology, and schools themselves are better run by business than by academia. It's the philosophy that is mangling our university system. And I believe that some of our legislative leaders are determined to destroy public education. It is deceitful, it is partisan, and it is wrong.
Where non-profit charters thrive and provide quality education to our children I fully appreciate their efforts and applaud them. But education is not a business and shouldn't be.
octaves31 - Appreciate your input and perspective. As you can imagine, this is an issue that could take up 100 pages on this board.At the end of the day, we all want the best public education system possible...this is the foundation of an informed and productive society.
fullcycle - Not exactly sure what your statement means. I do want my kids in public school and charter schools are public schools (according to state law). I just want my share of taxes to go to the public school I choose for my child.
fullcycle - Not exactly sure what your statement means. I do want my kids in public school and charter schools are public schools (according to state law). I just want my share of taxes to go to the public school I choose for my child.
You talk about taxes dollars. What about the people that don't have kids, There still paying taxes. The point I'm trying to make is if you want more for your kids than what YOU THINK a " normal public school" can offer than you should pay for it out of pocket.
Oh and I'm just curious, What percent of students come out of the Housing Authority or the projects at millennium charter school?
Oh and I'm just curious, What percent of students come out of the Housing Authority or the projects at millennium charter school?
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I honestly do not have a problem with anyone sending their kid to any school to get the best education for their kid. However, how many people send their kids to some of the athletic powerhouse charter schools/ preparatory academies to better their education? Their may be a few but look at the 1A basketball championship that will be played next weekend, both WS Prep teams are in the finals. I'm not saying the kids are not preforming well in the classroom where it really matters the most but what will draw more kids to want to transfer to Prep? A state championship in a sport or good test scores by a student athlete? My son is in the top 2% of his class and more than likely would be in that percentage which ever school I chose for him to attend. We live in the East Surry district and that's where he is supposed to attend school and I would not want him to go anywhere else. He plays football to learn the life lessons that football can teach him and to keep him in good physical condition. Unless the Lord works in a mighty way, when he plays his last game as a senior he'll never play another snap of football again. However the education that he receives while in attendance at East Surry High School will stay with him the rest of his life. Football state championships are great to win, or so I understand, but the education my son receives is far more important than a trophy to sit in the school lobby in a case to gather dust for years on end. I think some people forget that the student part of student athlete should come first.