Fate Of Local Charter Schools Hangs in Balance

Today was a normal day for students at Fort Wayne's Imagine Schools on Broadway, but for teachers, administrators and staff, worry sits in the back of their minds.

"Our scores are not impressive yet and they're not where we want yet" says Ra'chelle Spearman, the school's principal. Spearman has been at Imagine Schools on Broadway for the past two years, but it's uncertain if she'll make it to year three.

"It definitely worries us, not to say that it concerns us in a manner that we fell like we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing" Spearman tells WFFT.

Imagine on Broadway, along with its sister school, the Imagine MASTer Academy, are both charter schools sponsored by Ball State. Both are also hoping the university renews them for another 5 years.

Imagine on Broadway is 5 years old, while the Imagine MASTer Academy is 6 years old.

They're both currently in their first renewal process. Spearman says Ball State looks at more than just test scores, which is a good thing, considering both schools received failing ratings from the state.

"No our numbers are not where they need to be, but definitely we're working on that" she says.

Last year, 52 percent of students at the Imagine MASTer Academy passed the +ISTEP. Overall, the school received an F rating from the state.

Meanwhile, at Imagine Schools on Broadway, 37 percent passed the +ISTEP.

It too received an F rating from the state.

But, despite the meager numbers, Spearman says she's optimistic.

"We know that as new schools it takes a while to get where you need to be. We know that we're trending in the right direction."

Ball State oversees 42 charter schools. The school's recently revamped its charter school renewal process. Now, the university will look at additional components like minorities' tests scores and how charters compare to traditional public schools in the area.

Fort Wayne's Timothy L Johnson Academy is also up for renewal this year.

All three schools will receive a decision from Ball State in March.