In the nation's capital, Eagle Academy, a charter school established in 2003, finds itself at a critical juncture. With the 2024-2025 academic year set to commence on August 26, the institution faces significant challenges, including financial instability and dwindling enrollment.
Charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently operated, have been a part of the American educational landscape since the first charter school law was passed in Minnesota in 1991. The District of Columbia, known for having one of the highest percentages of students enrolled in charter schools nationwide, is now witnessing a potential shift in its educational ecosystem.
Friendship Public Charter School, one of D.C.'s largest charter networks, has proposed a takeover of Eagle Academy's two campuses. This move, if approved, would affect approximately 350 students in prekindergarten through third grade. The D.C. Public Charter School Board is scheduled to vote on this proposal on August 19, 2024.
The potential merger aims to minimize disruption for students and families. According to the acquisition plan, Friendship would maintain Eagle's curriculum and retain its teaching staff. Patricia Brantley, Friendship's chief executive, stated:
However, this situation has raised questions about Eagle Academy's long-term financial management and the transparency of the takeover process. Suzanne Wells, president of the Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization, expressed concerns:
Financial documents reveal that Eagle Academy has been struggling for years. Between fiscal years 2019 and 2023, the school's enrollment plummeted by more than half, from 838 to 412 students. This decline significantly impacted the school's funding, as charter schools receive public funding on a per-pupil basis.
Despite receiving stabilization funding and pandemic relief, including a $2.5 million Paycheck Protection Program loan, Eagle Academy reported a $2.9 million net loss as of June 28, 2024. The D.C. charter school board cited the school for "fiscal mismanagement" and "insufficient internal controls."
Aaron Lentner, a parent and chair of Eagle's board of trustees, acknowledged the school's failure to adjust costs as enrollment declined. The board has taken steps to address the financial issues, including leadership changes and bringing in an accounting firm.
If the takeover proposal is rejected, Eagle Academy's future remains uncertain. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over charter school effectiveness and management, a topic that has been controversial since the concept was first proposed by educator Ray Budde in the 1970s.
As the vote approaches, the Eagle Academy case serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing charter schools and the importance of financial oversight in public education.