The Nevada State Public Charter School Authority on Friday unanimously approved the massive expansion of a Northern Nevada charter school despite opposition from the Washoe County School District over concerns that its opening may force the closure of existing schools in the area.
Mater Academy of Northern Nevada, which currently operates a Reno charter school with 490 students in grades K-8, received approval to open a second facility in Golden Valley, according to Nevada Current . The new facility will enroll 1,400 K-12 students within five years, and the existing school will shift into only offering K-5, though it will expand the number of students in those grade levels and stay around 490 students total.
In a letter to the Charter School Authority, WCSD Interim Superintendent Kristen McNeill stated the district only received formal notice of the proposal on Dec. 15 and did not receive the application materials for review until Dec. 20 — days before winter break.
“The entire timeline is concerning,” said Washoe County School Board President Beth Smith during public comment, adding she was speaking for herself and not the board.