State Board of Education approves charter school renewals, priority lists of capital projects, and land conveyance authorization

The State Board of Education and Early Development, meeting virtually on March 17, approved two charter school renewals, the final priority lists of capital projects, the Mt. Edgecumbe High School strategic plan, and granted land conveyance authorization to the Commissioner.

The board approved charter school applications for Chinook Montessori Charter School in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and Tongass School of Arts and Sciences in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, each for a period of ten years. The board also approved a revised strategic plan for Mt. Edgecumbe High School. The board serves as the board for Mt. Edgecumbe.

Also approved was the final annual priority lists of capital projects eligible for funding under the school construction and major maintenance grant funds, subject to appropriation. The Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee previously reviewed the lists and passed a motion recommending adoption.

Additionally, the board granted authority to the Commissioner to pursue options for land conveyance currently owned by the Department on Japonski Island in Sitka to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. The authority includes the ability to execute lease agreements. Any execution of sale or transfer of lands is subject to further approval by the board.

Lastly, the board approved the minutes for the December 9, 2020, January 26, 2021, and February 24, 2021 meetings.

The board will next meet on April 21 for a work session and a business meeting.