AUSTIN – Commissioner of Education Michael Williams today advised
members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) of his decision to grant five Generation
19 charter schools. Those approved by the Commissioner include
- Beta Academy (Houston)
- High Point Academy (Fort Worth)
- Ki Charter Academy (San Marcos)
- The Excel Center (Austin)
- Trinity Environmental Academy (Dallas)
“Strong charter schools provide for greater parental choice,” said
Commissioner Williams. “After a careful review of the Generation 19 charter
applications, applicant interview testimony, impact statements, staff
recommendations and input from State Board of Education members, I am confident these five will add to the
education options afforded students in Texas.”
Under Senate Bill 2 (passed during the 83rd Texas Legislature
in 2013), the Commissioner grants new open-enrollment charters in Texas and
must notify the SBOE of those he approves. SBOE members can veto any new
charter approved by the Commissioner.
The State Board is expected to
discuss the Commissioner’s decisions and take any action – if necessary – during
SBOE meetings in Austin on Sept. 17-19.
Ten Generation 19 applicants took part in the public applicant
interviews on July 21-23 in Austin. Those that were seeking to operate an
open-enrollment charter in Texas – but not granted approval by the Commissioner
– include:
- Athlos Academy
- Brentwood Stair Preparatory School
- Foundations Charter School
- Royal Ambassador Academy
- SA Youth Youthbuild Academy
Rocketship Education Texas was invited to take part in the public
applicant interviews, but withdrew from consideration for a Generation 19
charter.
To learn more about open-enrollment
charter schools in Texas and the application process, visit the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/charters.aspx.