Laupahoehoe charter chaos dooms school

Reasonable people can quibble over elements in the campaign for a Laupahoehoe school charter as its advocates moved through the approvals obstacle course. They could argue about whether or not its financial plan was viable, whether or not proponents are proceeding correctly toward electing a school board. Some of the dispute may stem from a need for more clarity in the law underpinning the charter schools system.

The Charter Schools Review Panel had rejected the charter but was overridden by the state Board of Education on Aug. 3. But now, the bottom line seems clear: Laupahoehoe Public Charter School does not now have the backing it needs for a successful start. Regardless of the BOE’s action, proceeding without broad support runs counter to the whole philosophy of charter schools as being homegrown educational institutions. And it doesn’t bode well for the students who hope to attend.

At this point — a lull in the storm involving the rural school on Hawaii island’s Hamakua coast — it would appear that the Charter Schools Review Panel is the authority in the best position to stop this runaway train. The date set for electing a permanent school board was Nov. 21. That deadline has passed; and the panel should take that failure as the opening it needs to withhold its approval for opening the school next fall.

Stepping back from the fray, it should be obvious that something has fractured the base of support for this school, a fatal flaw in the charter project that needs to be repaired before moving ahead.

Initially the push to convert Laupahoehoe from a conventional public school to a charter had some legs. The tiny school of 236 students, in kindergarten through Grade 12, was added a few years back to a list of schools being considered for closure. Community members and parents formed Save Our School, obtained $450,000 in a federal grant and won a vote in favor of the conversion.

But things have changed considerably between that vote, in February 2010, and now. As details of the financial plan emerged, the review panel became concerned that there was insufficient funding to run the program and that its support base had withered. One reason for the change of heart, according to Principal James Denight, is a projected funding shortfall and the loss of funds for services such as athletics and school buses.

As a result, 20 of the school’s 21 teachers have signed a letter to the state BOE asking to be transferred to other schools in the district. That’s an unambiguous no-confidence vote on the charter plan.

As for the BOE’s intervention in this process: Its decision to reverse the review panel’s decision was ill-advised. Namely, it had not even sought the advice of the teachers and staff who now stand against the charter. Was the BOE legally bound to hold hearings on this appeal? Arguably not. But often hearings can bring useful information to the fore, whether or not they’re required. The Laupahoehoe appeal was such a case.

Ultimately, what should matter most in the review of charter proposals is the well-being of students, and it’s hard to see how Laupahoehoe’s kids are going to come out ahead as things now stand. Some responsible agency, whether it’s the review panel or the BOE, needs to stand up and do the right thing.