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January 9, 2013

State nixes 4 of 5 charter school proposals

A state panel has given initial approval to just one proposed charter school out of a field of five applications under consideration for 2013.

The Harpswell Coastal Academy, which would use a project-based curriculum around the area's marine resources and industries, received the state panel's early approval while charter schools proposed for Kennebunk and the Bangor area were denied, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The proposed Harpswell school, which would serve grades 6 to 12, now looks to join the two charter schools open and two more set to open in September.

The panel also on Tuesday denied applications for two virtual schools, the Maine Virtual Academy and Maine Connections Academy.

The Bangor Daily News reported that Stephen Bowen, the state's education commissioner, said the 80% rejection rate in this latest round of applications indicates a problem with the process.

The Press Herald reported that Roger W. Brainerd, executive director of the Maine Association for Charter Schools, cited a lack of independent governance and local knowledge as reasons for turning down the applications that did not clear the first hurdle in hearings Tuesday.

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