Anonymous wrote:Finding something cheaper is much easier said than done...particularly if the charter school hopes to remain in the same Ward (which is typically the goal).
Another reality -- it's my understanding that DCPS has made clear that it does not plan to make all of its unused inventory (read: empty schools) available to charts...or at least not with long term contracts. DCPS doesn't want to give up its option of re-opening currently failing neighborhood schools, so, for many of its properties, it may give a 5 year contract to a charter, but it's not giving many long term (e.g., 30 year) contracts.
I'm not sure it is (or necessarily should be) the goal to remain in the same ward. It's just not realistic for schools as they grown to be able to afford giant buildings in Ward 1. And the need for charter schools is much higher in other wards. MV is pretty much moving 15 minutes away from their current campus - and all the parents do is bitch and moan about it. None of these parents would last one day in NYC or LA where long commutes are the norm...If you want CM to stay in their current location, then the parents/admin need to get focused on fund-raising...and quick.