State Board Unanimously Supports Swallows Charter Academy

In a rare display of unanimous support for a charter school, the State Board of Education voted to remand the Swallows Charter Academy appeal back to Pueblo 70 for further consideration. Two board members did not vote: Paul Lundeen recused himself from the vote and Debbe Scheffel was on the phone for part of the hearing, but then dropped off.

The case was about Swallows' request to expand Kindergarten and first grade by one class each, eventually filling the gap existent in the school now until sixth grade. Sixth through twelfth grades have 44 students per grade level while K-5 only has 22 students per grade level.

The district's contention was lackluster academic performance by the charter school after several years of outstanding academic performance. They stated the trend was indicating a downward line. Both parties agreed that the charter school was still in the middle of performance for the district, however. 

Before voting board members noted the strong parental demand for Swallows and the wisdom in starting with Kindergarten to add students so that they would be more prepared for secondary school.