By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The Indian River County School Board will be sitting down with principals and officials from four charter schools, including Sebastian Charter Junior High, this afternoon to discuss funding.
The workshop is intended to open dialogue between the board and the charter schools pertaining to the charters’ construction needs.
The issue of funds from the school district has become a touchy subject as charter schools receive some funding from the state, but not as much as their traditional counterparts. Principal Martha McAdams, of Sebastian Charter Junior High School, told VeroNews.com earlier this month that the school is looking to the district to help fund a permanent school structure to replace its current modular campus.
“You can’t stay in a modular building indefinitely,” she said at the time.
Deputy Superintendent Michael DeGutis said the charters do receive some funds through the state, but it’s not enough to cover all the charters’ needs.
Along with Sebastian Charter Junior High officials, representatives from Indian River Charter High School, North County Charter School and St. Peter’s Academy are expected at the school board workshop this afternoon.
Because the school board is holding a workshop, no votes or decisions are expected to be made. Instead, the workshop is expected to serve as a forum for questions, concerns and suggestions between all the involved parties.