Illinois State Charter Commission paves the way for two new charter schools

Concept Schools to expand quality service in Illinois

CHICAGO, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Late yesterday the Illinois Charter School Commission voted to approve 2 new charter schools in Chicago that had been denied by Chicago Public Schools District 299. This decision will allow Concept Schools to serve even more students and will provide an opportunity for high-quality choice for parents on charter school waiting lists. The charter public schools will open as Kindergarten to eighth grade institutions, and will add a grade each year to reach grades K-12 by 2017.

In 2011, INCS worked with our elected representatives and other partners to enact the Illinois Charter Schools Quality Act, which created an independent state authorizer for the first time. National research has shown that States with an independent authorizer have an improved pipeline for quality school options. "The Commission's rigorous authorizing process is a step forward for charter authorizing in Illinois and can benefit other districts across the state," said Illinois Network of Charter Schools President Andrew Broy. "INCS is committed to increasing our role in preparing the next generation of charter leaders and will work with the Commission to build a pipeline of high-quality applications across Illinois." Equally important, students at schools approved under the Commission will be provided equal funding

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to the improvement of education by establishing high-quality charter public schools that transform lives and communities.  As the voice of the Illinois charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation on behalf of the charter sector, provides support to strengthen charter schools, and influences education policy for the benefit of all public school students.

Contact:
Sylvia Ewing
312-629-2063 ext.33
[email protected]

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools