The Talk About A Charter School In Edgecombe County Is Probably Coming From John Westberg Being Removed From SouthWest Edgecombe

The talk about a charter school being started in Edgecombe County is probably coming from a group of folks whom are mad with the Edgecombe County Public Schools System. Some are mad that John Westberg was removed from SouthWest Edgecombe because of a testing probe. Westberg was moved to North Edgecombe and made a Dean of Students a position that no one could relate to in the county school system.

Sources say Westberg will no longer have a contract with Edgecombe County Public Schools as of June 30, 2011.

So in regards to the letters to the editor concerning the division of and the support of a charter school, it should be clear that the charter school is stemming from the Westberg saga. This is my opinion because he is being looked at running the school.

See more:

John Westberg Former Principal SouthWest Edgecombe 

Let’s discuss having a charter school 

‘Do we really need a charter school in Tarboro?

Senate Bill 8 Update

February 16th, 2011

Charter Bill Moving Faster

URGENT Request Below

Senate Bill 8, the "Charter Cap Plus" bill, passed the full

Senate Education Committee today and will be on the floor for a full senate vote tomorrow in all likelihood. Amendments by Sen. Malcolm Graham to address access to charter schools by adding mandates for weighted lotteries, transportation, and food service, were defeated primarily on a party-line vote. Republicans argued that the law already provided for efforts to attract and educate at risk children and the charter schools had demonstrated an ability to do that as testimony by Cheryl Turner of Sugar Creek Charter and Michael Pratt of Rocky Mount Prep provided. Matthew Norcross, a high school student and product of Phoenix Academy, told of his successful journey through that High Point charter school.

(Matt Norcross)

The bill sets up a Commission to authorize, monitor, and report on the state’s charters as well as other provisions you have been asking for. One of these is the reversal of the onerous language inserted into the 2010 Budget Bill which allowed the LEAs to continue to remove certain funds from the "Current Expense Fund", which the law originally intended to be shared with the charter schools.

There will be fierce opposition by the school administrators and school boards in the coming days (hours). Please have your parents and community supporters contact their senators and House members and request that the "Sugar Creek" provisions be left in the bill. 

Do this NOW!

A full copy of the bill and a summary may be found on the Alliance website.

Respectfully,

Jim Stegall, Lobbyist

WANT TO START A CHARTER SCHOOL?

Senate Bill 8 which eliminates the 15 year old cap on charters passed the Senate Education Committee this morning and heads to a full senate vote tomorrow. It is now time to begin planning your public charter school.

The NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools announces a one-day charter start-up session designed for those thinking about applying for a North Carolina charter school. This seven-hour training session aims to empower future charter leaders with knowledge for the development of a competitive charter application and an effective charter school.

Charter Starter – Ideal for persons seeking general information about the NC Charter School movement and the process for obtaining a charter contract.

When:  Thursday, March 17th 2011, 9am – 4pm (Working Lunch Provided)

Where: Charlotte, NC

Cost: Please call our office for costs. There are discounts for members of the Alliance, groups of two or more attending the workshop, and discounts for returning attendees.

Capacity: Attendance is limited to 40 persons. Register now to secure your seat. Simply send your check payable to NC Alliance, 512 St. Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27605 or call our office for card payment. Attach you name and address with your check or email same to

samantha.colafrancesco@nccharters.org.

Special Thanks to Our FEB 7th – Charter Starter
WORKSHOP SPONSORS

NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools
512 St. Marys Street, Ste.110
Raleigh, North Carolina 27605
919-900-8951