Alabama charter commission monitoring proposed Birmingham charter

Downtown Birmingham viewed from Red Mountain. Birmingham is one of the largest banking centers in the United States and has a long history as a steel and iron producer. (John Coletti/The Image Bank)

The Alabama Public School Charter School Commission could hold a meeting at the end of the month should a Birmingham-area charter school fail to meet certain pre-opening requirements.

But Logan Searcy, the executive director of commission, said Monday they expect to not need that meeting should Freedom Preparatory Academy hit its goals.

“If they are approved to move forward, the commission would need to make sure all of these items were done by Aug. 30 as school starts Sept. 3,” Searcy said.

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The school struggled to meet its enrollment goals over the summer, but received conditional approval after lowering their targets.

Searcy said there were also some items for child nutrition and safety that need to be met. She said they received notice from the Division of Construction management about unspecified items that still needed to be addressed.

Commission Attorney Lane Knight said that they need seven days notice for the meeting, so they need to plan in advance.

“This is just sort of to give an opportunity in case the unexpected happens and the conditions aren’t met,” he said. “But I think the expectations are that that meeting would not go forward.”

Searcy said the school currently has around 70 students enrolled, and they are hoping for 100 or more. She said they have met the enrollment requirements set by the commission.

Megan Stitzinger, chief of staff at Freedom Preparatory Charter Schools, wrote in a Monday afternoon email that they are working with the commission and are working towards fulfilling the pre-opening requirements.

“Freedom Preparatory Academy has made significant strides in fulfilling pre-opening requirements, including our student enrollment goals,” she wrote. “We are grateful for the Commission’s ongoing partnership and support as we eagerly prepare to welcome our founding class on September 3.”

This story was updated with a statement from Freedom Prep.

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