Beloit 200 and the new non-profit Kids First Beloit are aiming to give parents and students an alternative choice when it comes to schooling.
Members of Beloit 200’s education subcommittee presented plans for a tuition free, public charter school called The Lincoln Academy during a public meeting Tuesday night.
Diane Hendricks said their initiative is to better prepare students for adult life and the workforce. She said too many students graduate high school with a diploma but not the right skills to succeed in the world.
She believes they would be able to work with the School District of Beloit to improve education in the community as a whole, and the competition could be valuable for both entities.
Last month, the University of Wisconsin System Office of Educational Opportunity approved the first phase of their application, and they plan to submit their phase-two charter application in early 2020.
If approved, Kids First Beloit plans to open the charter school in the fall of 2021 to serve a full 4K-12 student body of 700 students, which represents roughly one-tenth of Beloit’s student population.
Initially, they would only enroll students in 4K-2nd grade and 7th-9th grade and add one grade per year until it serves all grades.
The non-profit is receiving consulting from Milwaukee College Prep chief operating officer Kristi Cole, who has experience as a teacher, administrator and executive in the public charter school space.
Cole said the Lincoln Academy would ensure every student is learning at or above grade level within three years of enrolling at the school and graduate with academic and career opportunities available to them.
She emphasized the importance of hiring the right staff and focusing on professional development. If a student is having trouble learning, Cole said it’s the fault of the adults who need to better help the student.
Kids First Beloit is still exploring possible locations for the school, which could include repurposing an existing building in Beloit.
