Fort Wayne Charter Schools Pulled: What's Next?
Ball
By: Charlie De Mar
Updated: January 23, 2013
Some parents say they were completely surprised by the announcement to pull the schools, yet others were just waiting until it became official. Either way all parents are now left with the task of finding a new school for their child.
Carla Swangin, a mother of twin 5th graders at
"It's like starting over again. You have a teacher for a couple of month, you get used to them, and your kids get used to the teachers but then you have to start over," said Swangin.
Last year, 52 percent of students at Imagine MASTer academy passed the I-step and the school received an F from the state. Those stats caused Swangin to start looking for new schools months ago.
"We've been in the process of looking into other schools and trying to work our way in that direction and get some things settled so we are prepared now for next year," said Swangin.
However, not all parents were ready for the sudden decision that will close Fort Wayne Charter schools in June.
"I really don't know right now it's confusing for me. My son had a good year this year at imagine. I'm a little worried about the community schools," said Raymond Cowan, a charter school parent.
Some parents say they're going to send their children to private schools and others say they plan on enrolling their children in Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Krista Stockman, with Fort Wayne Community Schools says she understands how stressful this time can be for parents.
"We know some people chose charter schools for a reason and maybe they're hesitant to come to our schools we just want to have the opportunity to show them we have to offer," said Stockman.
The imagine Master academy plans to hold a meeting for parents tomorrow to answer any questions and come up with a plan for what's next.
