I’ve been getting some really interesting feedback on our blog post about the continued frustration at Bell Middle School over the gap between charter school and school district expulsion rules. Cinda Doughty, the principal of Darnall Charter School, offered some thoughts about how the problem can cut both ways:
Darnall encountered a student who attempted to enroll in our school last week who had been expelled from a district school. The parent had been told that her son (who allegedly attacked a teacher) could not attend the district school until his expulsion hearing but that in the meantime, she could enroll him in a charter, or Alba, (the district school for expelled students).
Obviously this is an issue that runs two ways. The good news is that the district charter office and the charter leader advisory committee have already begun conversations on how we can best communicate about expulsions. Due to the variety [of] variables involved in an expulsion and the different types of charter schools, there is no “one size fits all” solution as is evident in Mr. Dodson’s frustration.
For a refresher on what’s happening at Bell Middle and why discipline policies at charters and district schools can differ, check out our recent article.
— EMILY ALPERT